Private therapy can often be explored by contacting a therapist or clinic directly to ask about current appointment options and whether an assessment may be appropriate. A GP referral is not always required to make an enquiry, but GP or specialist involvement can be important where medication, physical health, a possible sleep disorder, severe symptoms or a psychiatric assessment may be relevant. An initial enquiry is not a diagnosis, an insurance decision or a promise that a particular approach will be suitable. It is an opportunity to ask about a therapist’s professional registration, approach, experience, fees, location, online arrangements and current availability. Assessment can consider what is happening, what support has been tried, safety, physical health and whether CBT based therapy, medical review, public support or another route is more appropriate. Insurance and cash plan questions Some insurance policies or workplace cash plans may contribute to psychological therapy, but requirements vary. Before booking, confirm your own policy’s referral or authorisation rules, provider eligibility, benefit limits, excesses, payment timing and receipt requirements directly with the insurer. Do not assume a policy covers a particular clinician, appointment type or concern. When a GP or specialist may be relevant A GP or other medical professional may be the appropriate next contact for new, severe or concerning physical symptoms, medication questions, suspected sleep or neurological conditions, significant substance use, a marked change in mental state or a need for specialist care. A private therapist cannot prescribe medication, diagnose physical illness, provide a fit note or replace urgent medical services. Safety and next steps If you cannot keep yourself safe, have thoughts of harming yourself, experience psychosis, severe agitation, confusion or a sudden marked deterioration in mental state, seek urgent help. In immediate danger, call 999 or attend A&E. For related information, see https://lyceumclinic.co.uk/guides/nhs vs private therapy west london/, https://lyceumclinic.co.uk/therapy/anxiety/, https://lyceumclinic.co.uk/therapy/depression/ and https://lyceumclinic.co.uk/fees/. Frequently asked questions Can I contact a private therapist without a GP referral? You can usually make a direct enquiry, but a clinician may recommend GP or specialist involvement depending on the circumstances. Does a direct enquiry guarantee an appointment? No. Current availability, assessment, safety and clinical fit all need to be considered. At The Lyceum, current arrangements can be discussed directly. The conversation can clarify whether CBT based support, medical review or another source of help may be the relevant next step.