Referral mental health care is a service that offers specialized help in mental health. This service is available to people who need assessment and treatment of mental disorders. Referral is usually made through GPs or other healthcare personnel who assess that a patient needs further follow-up from specialists.
The service focuses on giving patients access to the necessary treatment and follow-up, and can include various forms of therapy, drug treatment and rehabilitation. Referral mental healthcare collaborates with various actors within the healthcare system to ensure a holistic approach to the patient's needs. This may include collaboration with psychologists, social workers and other professionals who work with mental health.