Frequently Asked Questions

1. What do the different 'organisation types' mean?
2. My search isn't bringing up enough/any results
3. How can I be sure that the service I've found is a good one?
4. Why can't I find the organisation I'm looking for?
5. How much will private counselling cost?
6. Is telephone counselling available if I can't travel?
7. Do beat recommend the services listed on HelpFinder?
8. I would like to add a listing to the HelpFinder Directory

1. What do the different 'organisation types' mean?
   Independent Treatment Centres & Sole Counsellors – Private Healthcare providers run services that are not directly managed by the NHS. These might include private hospitals or treatment centres, counsellors, therapists, psychologists and psychotherapists. Sometimes you may be referred to one of these services by a GP or Consultant. In these cases, there will be a contract between the local Primary Care Trust (who commissions and pays for the service) and the provider. Many non-private providers allow you to access or to refer yourself to their services directly. This can be a way of accessing help and support sooner. However, if you do self-refer to these services, you will be responsible for paying their fees or charges. You are also responsible for checking that they are registered with an appropriate body.
   NHS –These will be statutory services (such as hospitals) run by the National Health Service. For the majority of NHS services you will need a referral from a GP.
   Voluntary – These are not-for-profit organisations, offering support to those in need
   beat Self Help Network Groups – The beat Self Help Network has over 60 (?) groups across the UK for both carers and sufferers. The groups meet on a regular basis to offer support
2. My search isn't bringing up enough/any results
   Try using only the county or postcode searches. Alternatively, if there are no services listed in your area, try searching using the 'national' category under 'county' search. Services listed under 'national' can be used by anyone in the UK. Alternatively, you could try contacting NHS Direct on 0845 4647 or PALS www.pals.nhs.uk for more information.
3. How can I be sure that the service I've found is a good one?
   When you use the HelpFinder, you need to remember that beat does not endorse or recommend any of the services listed on it. However, there are ways that you can check that the services you are using are properly registered and regulated. Download our guide to 'Keeping you and your family safe'. You can also download our guide to 'Finding a Private Counsellor'.
4. Why can't I find the organisation I'm looking for?
   If you're searching using the 'Organisation name search' box and unable to find the organisation, try searching using 'Organisation Type', to get a broad range of results. If an organisation name is typed in incorrectly the search may not work.
5. How much will private counselling cost?
   Each service will have different fees, so you will need to ask the service how much they will charge when you contact them. For more advice on finding a counsellor, download our guide here.
6. Is telephone counselling available if I can't travel?
   Services offering just telephone counselling should be listed under the 'national' section. It is also worth contacting local services and asking if this is something they offer.
7. Do beat recommend the services listed on HelpFinder?
   It's important to remember that beat do not endorse or recommend any service listed on the HelpFinder. The information listed in the Directory is provided by the people or organisation offering the service. In many cases, they have paid us a fee for being listed in the Directory. We would strongly advise that you check the service is appropriate for your specific requirements and that it is registered with the relevant professional body. For more information, download the 'Keeping you and your family safe' guide.
8. I would like to add a listing to the HelpFinder Directory
   Click here to register on the HelpFinder

Please remember that the beat Helplines are available for support;

beat Helpline
Tel: 0845 634 1414
Email: help@b-eat.co.uk

beat Youthline
Tel: 0845 634 7650
Text: 07804 589404
Email: fyp@b-eat.co.uk

You can also find more information about beating eating disorders on the main beat website www.b-eat.co.uk