Some consultants have responsibility for a certain number of patients in a hospital ward.In some cases, the consultant has overall responsibility for the management of patients under the care of the team. Referrals are then allocated to various members in the team, depending on the nature of the individual's problems. The consultant or the team will have patients referred to them by GPs and other professionals such as health visitors and social workers.Other consultants work in various specialist teams. Team members may include trainee psychiatrists, social workers, community psychiatric nurses, psychologists and others. A consultant psychiatrist often works in a community mental health team which is involved in looking after people living in a certain area.
A placement in psychiatry is not mandatory during these training years, but is usually considered important because mental health problems are so common. A further hree years in various hospital specialities, and a year in general practice under supervision follows.
They may see their GP for initial help or go to an independent counsellor or psychotherapist.
A person who is depressed can seek professional help from many sources.