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Original poster

Powers of private psychiatrist?

12 replies

Saladgoatcheese · 28/10/2023 07:21

I’ve been seeing a private psychiatrist for a while now.

He says he is worried about my safety and he keeps threatening to get me referred to the NHS crisis team if I don’t do what he wants (in terms of medication and other stuff),

He knows I had really bad experiences with NHS MH services in the past (being sectioned and forced to take meds etc)

I’ve told him that I won’t engage with the NHS crisis team but he says he can force me.

I’m not sure what powers he would actually have to do that or whether he is just making idle threats to get me to comply because he knows I am terrified of getting sectioned again.

Does anyone know what powers he would have in this situation please?

OP posts:
DustyLee123 · 28/10/2023 07:26

He needs to safeguard you, and he will refer you if needs be. It’s then up to them to decide if you need any help.

bellalou1234 · 28/10/2023 07:27

He could refer you in, and they could attempt to engage you. However, it would be your choice.Are you in a mental health crisis? As they could convene mhaa if are a risk to self or others and won't consider or home-baked treatment as an option or lack capacity and insight

GoodOldEmmaNess · 28/10/2023 07:32

Try not to think of it as threatening you. He as the same responsibilities and powers as an NHS psychiatrist, which includes referring you to Approved Mental Health Professionals (with the legal authority to section you) if he feels it is necessary for safeguarding you. He willl be wanting very much to work with you to avoid this since he knows that it is something that you do not want. Ultimately his hands are tied, though, if he has genuine reasons for fearing that you may be in danger without that intervention

Original poster
Saladgoatcheese · 28/10/2023 07:33

bellalou1234 · 28/10/2023 07:27

He could refer you in, and they could attempt to engage you. However, it would be your choice.Are you in a mental health crisis? As they could convene mhaa if are a risk to self or others and won't consider or home-baked treatment as an option or lack capacity and insight

Thanks so much for your reply.
So if I just refuse to engage with the crisis team and say I feel ok then they can’t do anything? That is a relief.

OP posts:
Original poster
Saladgoatcheese · 28/10/2023 07:36

GoodOldEmmaNess · 28/10/2023 07:32

Try not to think of it as threatening you. He as the same responsibilities and powers as an NHS psychiatrist, which includes referring you to Approved Mental Health Professionals (with the legal authority to section you) if he feels it is necessary for safeguarding you. He willl be wanting very much to work with you to avoid this since he knows that it is something that you do not want. Ultimately his hands are tied, though, if he has genuine reasons for fearing that you may be in danger without that intervention

Thanks for your reply.

I made the mistake of trusting him and telling him what my plans were so I feel really let down by him.

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Original poster
Saladgoatcheese · 28/10/2023 07:49

The two replies contradict each other. Can anyone help please

OP posts:
GoodOldEmmaNess · 28/10/2023 08:12

To remove the appearance of contradiction: a referral to the crisis team does not in itself amount to any kind of compulsion. They will simply visit you, assess your situation, try and engage you. You could, as others have said, simply refuse to engage. And if they were satisfied that you were safe they would respect your decision. But if they or your psychiatrist remain concerned enough about your safety, then they do have those powers and responsibilities that Imentioned in my last post.

Hadalifeonce · 28/10/2023 08:16

I had to call the crisis team last year, for my DH. They came to our house to support him several times. They were absolutely amazing, and it took them less than 24 hours to appear when I called, a couple of times it was with 2 hours

Original poster
Saladgoatcheese · 28/10/2023 08:32

GoodOldEmmaNess · 28/10/2023 08:12

To remove the appearance of contradiction: a referral to the crisis team does not in itself amount to any kind of compulsion. They will simply visit you, assess your situation, try and engage you. You could, as others have said, simply refuse to engage. And if they were satisfied that you were safe they would respect your decision. But if they or your psychiatrist remain concerned enough about your safety, then they do have those powers and responsibilities that Imentioned in my last post.

Thank you so much for clarifying. I am confident I could convince them that I am safe so I should be able to avoid any NHS intervention.

OP posts:
Original poster
Saladgoatcheese · 28/10/2023 08:33

Hadalifeonce · 28/10/2023 08:16

I had to call the crisis team last year, for my DH. They came to our house to support him several times. They were absolutely amazing, and it took them less than 24 hours to appear when I called, a couple of times it was with 2 hours

Thank you for sharing a positive experience of the crisis teams. I hope your husband is doing well now.

OP posts:
GoodOldEmmaNess · 28/10/2023 09:38

Best wishes to you, op. I hope you get the kind of input that is right for you, and feel listened to and respected. xxx

Original poster
Saladgoatcheese · 28/10/2023 10:08

GoodOldEmmaNess · 28/10/2023 09:38

Best wishes to you, op. I hope you get the kind of input that is right for you, and feel listened to and respected. xxx

Thank you so much for your kind message

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