If you would like to see one of our therapists, please let us know by completing the below form. 

Our counselling therapy is available to women aged 16 and over, who are residing in Scotland and are in a safe place. You will hear from a member of our administration team within three working days after you submit the online referral form. 

We may decide to turn down or postpone of a referral if a woman:

• has a current complex mental health diagnosis, severe substance abuse issue or severe eating disorder. 

• is seeking counselling in order to support a court case or is court-mandated for therapy. 

• is currently living with a perpetrator of domestic or sexual abuse.

You should not be receiving any other counselling support at the time of self-referral, you must notify us about any ongoing medical treatment about your physical and mental health wellbeing. Working with our women requires ensuring they are not receiving therapy, mental health treatment, or health care from another mental health professional, otherwise they may receive inadequate or harmful treatment. This is why HSTAR asks every potential client if this is the case.

It is common practice for third sector organisations to enlist the assistance of student therapists. It is not unsafe due to the fact that the students' fitness for practice is assessed at the start of their studies. Students are supervised by their supervisors, who are ultimately responsible for ensuring the client's wellbeing. A supervisor is a fully qualified and experienced therapist.

You should not use this service if you feel suicidal, engaging in significant self-harm, or unable to keep yourself safe.Our trauma recovery therapies are not crisis, emergency or intervention services. If you were at risk of self-harm or suicidal thoughts/attempts within the last 12 weeks, please let us know. We might not be able to assist you at the moment but we are here to guide you where you could get support with rebuilding your sense of safety prior to the therapies with HSTAR Scotland.