Navigating the NHS
NHS services are sometimes difficult to find your way around, the student's GP will help you to navigate available support. It is therefore important that the student is registered with a local GP.
This section mainly describes what happens in Manchester but there are similar arrangements in all the surrounding towns.
Some general practices offer counselling as part of the services they provide directly, but usually they will refer you on to the Primary Care Mental health team.
Many GPs will have done psychiatry as part of their training, and they have guidelines about the best approach to treat common mental health problems, particularly where medication might be helpful. If a student does not respond to the treatment the GP suggests, they can get advice from a specialist.
Waiting times for Mental Health Services in the NHS can vary, and at times can be considerable, as they are responsible for a large support network.
The Counselling Service can liaise, advise and make referrals to many of the NHS services outlined in this section.