Referrals Q & A

The Centre for Living is a mental health acute day hospital, part of the Cluain Mhuire Community Mental Health Service which is funded by the Health Service Executive (HSE). We assess and provide treatment to people living with mental health difficulties that exceed the capacity of primary care services. The Centre for Living receives referrals from the Community Mental Health Teams (CMHT) of the Cluain Mhuire Community Mental Health Service. Service users attend from their own home and in some instances from Saint John of God Hospital as part of their preparation for discharge.

All referrals must be triaged through the Cluain Mhuire Community Mental Health Service at Newtownpark Avenue, Blackrock on 01-2172100. In order to be eligible to attend the Centre for Living a person must have their primary residence within the catchment area of the service area and must have been referred for assessment to the Cluain Mhuire Community Mental Health Service in the first instance.

Informational leaflets for referral agents and patients are available for print.

Referral Guidlines

Consider referral in situations where the following therapeutic services may be of benefit on a short-term basis for people in crisis:

• The Centre for Living operates Monday to Thursday, 9am to 5pm, Friday 9-4pm
• Intervention is based on a short term (2-3 weeks) rolling programme structure
• Each stream (programme) contains a mixture of talking, creative and activity groups
• The Centre for Living is a welcoming and safe environment where service users can explore difficulties and offer each other support as well as being supported by the Centre for Living team
• Our Services are provided by a team of mental health professionals including nursing, medical, psychology, social work, administrative, art therapy, drama therapy and complimentary therapies
• Stream 1 (Group Therapy & Education) and Stream 2 (Mental Health Education &Assessment) offer psychological support, mental health assessment and education to people experiencing acute mental health difficulties
• We offer Anxiety Management Programme at intervals throughout the year.

Content of Referrals:

Contact details

• Description of presenting problem
• Previous Treatments
• Pertinent medical and psychiatric history
• Social circumstances
• Concerns of risk to self or others

We do not provide:

• Long-term Intervention
• Addiction Services
• Individual Psychotherapy or Counselling

Referral Timeframe:

Urgent referrals will usually be offered an appointment within 24 hours

Routine referrals will usually be offered an appointment within 3-4 days