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Clinical psychology brings psychological knowledge into assessment and care. A psychologist asks about your concerns, experiences and daily life. They may use interviews or questionnaires, develop an understanding with you, offer psychological therapy, or recommend other support.

A diagnosis may be part of an assessment when appropriate. It does not describe everything about a person. The clinician’s training and local professional rules determine the work they can offer.

Talking therapies can help with difficulties such as anxiety, low mood and coping with a long-term health condition. You do not need to arrive with a diagnosis. The right service depends on your needs and what the clinician is trained to provide.

Consider asking for professional support when difficulties persist, become distressing or interfere with sleep, relationships, work, study or everyday tasks. You can also ask earlier if you are concerned. You do not have to wait for a crisis.

A primary-care doctor can help when symptoms may have a physical cause or you are unsure which service you need. Sudden, severe or unsafe situations need prompt help, rather than waiting for a routine appointment.

Clinical psychologist

Works with psychological assessment, understanding difficulties and psychological treatment, within their training and registration.

Psychiatrist

A medical doctor specialising in mental health. Their work can include medical assessment, medication and psychological treatment.

Counsellor or psychotherapist

Provides talking therapy within their training. These titles, qualifications and registration arrangements vary between countries.

Primary-care doctor

Can assess physical health, discuss mental health concerns and help you find an appropriate service.

Titles alone do not tell you whether someone is right for your concern. Ask about their recognised registration, relevant experience and approach. Prescribing authority depends on professional qualifications and local rules; do not assume a therapist prescribes medication.

You may benefit from professionals working together. Needing a referral is not a failure.

A first meeting usually explores why you have come, what you would like help with and what a useful next step might be. There may be questions about your history and everyday life. The process varies with the service and your needs.

• Ask how confidentiality works and when information may need to be shared.
• Discuss the proposed approach, its evidence and any concerns you have.
• Ask how goals and progress will be reviewed, and what happens if the approach is not helping.

You can say that a topic is difficult to discuss and ask for an explanation before proceeding. For a child, couple or family, ask how consent and private information will be handled.

Read the practical first-session guide ↗

An occasional consultation may help you explore a concern or review skills learned in earlier therapy. You do not have to wait for a crisis to ask about a follow-up.

Not everyone needs a monthly or yearly appointment. Discuss frequency around your needs and goals. Ask whether a brief consultation, a course of therapy or another service is appropriate.

A session may offer understanding or relief. It may also bring up difficult feelings. Talk about these with the clinician. Feeling refreshed or resolving a problem in one visit cannot be guaranteed.

Everyday support can include connecting with someone you trust, moving in a way that is accessible to you, learning something you enjoy, helping another person or noticing your surroundings. Choose something that fits your energy, health and circumstances.

Self-care is personal; it is not a test of effort or a substitute for treatment you need. If distress is worsening or making daily life difficult, seek professional help. If you cannot stay safe or there is immediate danger, contact local emergency services or go to the nearest emergency department.