These checklists help you prepare for conversations. They are not diagnostic tests, clinical risk scores or a substitute for professional assessment. Keep sensitive information private and share it only through an appropriate channel with the people who need it.
Before a first appointment
- Describe the main concern in your own words and when you noticed a change.
- Note the effect on daily life, work, sleep and relationships without assigning yourself a diagnosis.
- Prepare an accurate medication and relevant substance-use history for the clinician.
- Identify existing professionals and ask how care can be coordinated appropriately.
- Ask about qualifications, confidentiality, fees and how suitability will be assessed.
Read choosing private treatment for the questions behind this preparation.
Before a tour or production
- Share the realistic itinerary with your treating professional where relevant.
- Confirm appointments, permitted remote-care locations and a private setting.
- Plan medication continuity with the prescriber and verify destination requirements.
- Identify local urgent services and keep accommodation addresses accessible.
- Agree who handles scheduling and what health information they actually need.
Read mental health on tour and online therapy before relying on a video appointment to solve every continuity issue.
When comparing a treatment service
- Confirm the exact legal provider, location and level of care.
- Ask who assesses suitability and who is responsible for treatment.
- Verify relevant qualifications, medical limitations and emergency arrangements.
- Distinguish treatment methods from amenities and supportive activities.
- Obtain written costs, inclusions, cancellation terms and continuing-care details.
Record unanswered questions as unanswered. Do not convert a sales description into verified clinical capability. Our selection guide explains how to compare responsibly.
For managers, agents and family advisers
- Clarify the client’s participation and your agreed role.
- Separate assessment, logistics, funding and public communication.
- Share relevant observations without diagnosing the person.
- Agree proportionate information-sharing and avoid unnecessary group messages.
- Keep the person’s health and autonomy separate from production deadlines.
Use the full referral guide for context, including situations where emergency care must come first.
Before returning to work
- Describe the actual demands of the proposed work to the treating team.
- Confirm continuing appointments and who is responsible for follow-up.
- Agree any phased arrangements and a date for review.
- Identify how concerns will be raised and when a pause is possible.
- Include home life, relationships and rest in the plan, not only performance dates.
Read returning to performing after treatment. A checklist cannot determine fitness for work or guarantee that a schedule is safe.