Hi, I am a student mental health nurse and have just been working with my local crisis team.
It varies very slightly from area to area but you'll meet with a mental health nurse and they will do a needs assessment. It will be anywhere between an hour and two hours. You will be asked what is going on for you at present, how you are feeling and coping and be asked to give some back ground, ususally this is with one nurse - occasionally two.
They will ask lots of questions,and ask you what you feel you need. Some questions will be about the present, and they'll also ask you about your childhood and housing circs etc. If you have DC they will ask for dates of birth, names and schools...this worries people sometimes but it is never information that is used against you, it is just necessary information. Some people worry that if this information is gathered It will mean SS will be contacted and this is rarely the case - however if this was for any reason to happen it would be discussed with you and you'd be asked to consent to this so It is never done without your knowledge (I am not saying this to worry you but I know it is a question that scares some people, as many people fear mh issues may trigger SS involement which is rare, and if It ever is It is to offer support)
It helps if you can be as honest as possible about how things are for you, but it is understood that it isn't easy for people to sit in a room and open up to a stranger and the nurse's are very skilled, very kind and will go at your pace. You don't have to talk about anything you don't want to.
The aim is to identify your current needs and risks and what support you need in this current crisis.
People often fear that it will mean they will be placed in hospital, and whilst a bed is something that the crisis team can arrange it is rare that this is what is needed immediately and there are lots of other options.
The crisis team are like a door, and they can access further support and help for you. This could be a referral to counselling, therapy or to see a psychiatrist (and in such cases if you feel you need more support whilst waiting they often offer further appointments with the crisis team and or phone calls). They can also organise medication, or for you to be seen daily by the home treatment team.
There is often a lot of support that people don't know how to access and can't access, and this can be organised.
Any plan that is made (like a referral for cbt for example) will only be done if it is what you want and feel will help you.
I hope that makes sense, sorry if it is poorly written I have a migrane so am typing with one shut but didn't want you to go unanswered. If you habe any further questions please ask or pm me and ill keep an eye on this thread.
Honestly, the crisis team is the best nursing experience I have had so far as the nurses are so kind and really want to help and support the people they see.
I am glad you were able to speak to your GP and that you have this appointment
Good luck and try not to worry too much today. 