* The referral system was implemented by MIP in 2002; its main purpose is to provide the public with a comprehensive referral service.
* MIP will complete a comprehensive assessment of the psychological needs of the client, to ensure that they are suitable for psychotherapy treatment. If so, the assessor will recommend an appropriate therapist for that client, according to their needs and financial resources.
* The duration of an individual assessment is 30 minutes in total, or 45 minutes for a couple.
* The assessor will be a qualified therapist designated by MIP.
* The MIP assessor will respect professional boundaries. For example, a client will not be referred to any therapist if it is known that the therapist is working with, or has any connection to individuals associated with the client, such as family members or friends.
* The recommended therapist will be qualified in Advanced Clinical training, of a minimum of 2 years.
* The recommended therapist will have access to their own professional supervisor.
* The referred client will work with a therapist in rooms provided by MIP.
* The recommended therapist will be accountable to their own professional body, (UKCP, BACP, UKATA). All these professional bodies have a complaints procedure.
This policy is regularly reviewed every 18 months and updated a minimum of every 36 months as necessary.
Reviewed May 2019
