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" Question Is it possible to see a psychiatrist through the NHS?  And do I have to be seen by my GP first for a referral?  How does the referral system work? Is it the same for all consultants?   Answer Yes, it is perfectly possible to see a psychiatrist through the NHS and it is your right to do so, provided there is an appropriate reason. Some psychological problems can be dealt with by your GP, just as he or she can also deal with minor orthopaedic problems, dermatological problems, hormone disorders and a whole range of generalised disorders which are moderate or mild enough not to necessitate the services of a specialist.  For this reason the GP is generally regarded as the &amp;#039;gate-keeper&amp;#039; or the first port of call for most patients who require any kind of treatment under the NHS. If the GP feels that the best thing for the patient is to see a specialist because the condition is moderate or severe, or the case is complicated, he or she will have no hesitation in referring to a hospital consultant.  It is therefore a matter of accepted medical ethics that the GP makes the referral, and indeed most specialists will not consider seeing a patient unless they have been referred by the patient&amp;#039;s own GP.  Not only has this proved to be the most satisfactory way of organising things, but it also protects specialists from being inundated with a flood of inappropriate patients.  This would quickly swamp the hospital service and vastly increase waiting times. A few consultants will see patients privately without a referral, but this is considered less than satisfactory, because the consultant will have no background history of the patient whatsoever when he or she first sees them. So your first port of call should be your GP. If for some reason you are unhappy about this, you can ask to see a different one. Yours sincerely The NetDoctor Medical Team   Other Qs &amp;amp; As Does my GP have to disclose my depression? Can I be treated privately? Getting an appointment with a doctor How can I find a good cognitive behavioural therapist? How can I help my depressed brother? How can I persuade my mother to get her depression treated? I don&amp;amp;#8217;t want to go back to the mental health unit  I don&amp;amp;#8217;t want to go to a male therapist I need help with my bipolar depression: how long will I be down? I need more than therapy I need to help my husband I want help but I feel so desperate I&amp;#039;m a jealous person and I need help I&amp;#039;d like help for my depression I&amp;#039;m 14 - can I see my GP without my relatives being informed? I&amp;#039;m scared after telling my GP everything My GP does not believe I am depressed Should I go into a psychiatric ward? What should I expect at my appointment with the psychologist? Who can I talk to about my depression? Will a psychiatrist help me?   Last updated 06.12.2011 "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/ask-the-expert/depression/a491/how-do-i-get-to-see-a-psychiatrist/>