You in Mind – Provisional Referral
Fred – Male – Age 55
Fred is a 55-year-old married man with three adult sons who all live independently, two who live interstate. Fred’s wife was diagnosed with a degenerative physical illness ten years ago which has confined her to a wheelchair. She needs in home support as Fred works and is also managing his own chronic physical illness. Fred’s parents were German migrants post WW2. He grew up in the Wollondilly/Wingecarribee region and left school to learn the trade of building. He has no family history or previous experience of mental health issues, however reports deteriorating mood and increasing feelings of hopelessness over the last few years. To date, he has not spoken of his parent’s experiences during the war. His children are all managing well and have no evidence of ill health.
Fred was referred to the You in Mind service through the local Community Mental Health team (a nominated referring agency of You in Mind) who sought Fred’s consent to share his contact details and passed them onto the You in Mind service provider – Community Links.
A You in Mind mental health professional contacted Fred to meet for the first of three sessions without having to obtain a Mental Health Treatment Plan. Fred chose to meet at a convenient time and location in a local park, and he explained how he came to seek support via the Community Mental Health team.
Over the course of two sessions, Fred decided to continue to attend therapy with the You in Mind Clinician and made an appointment with his GP to have a Mental Health Treatment Plan developed. The You in Mind clinician also spoke with Fred’s GP in preparation of the appointment and offered follow up support to walk through the referral process if needed.
Fred continues to see the You in Mind clinician fortnightly for office based therapy, he has noticed an improvement in his mood and reduction in symptoms.