Professional and Agency Referral Process
Due to high demand for our services, please only refer clients who are ready and able to engage with STARS.
A high number of unsuitable or non-engaging referrals impacts our ability to support those who are who are prepared and willing to work with us.
Thank you for your understanding and co-operation.
If you are wanting to refer your client into STARS Dorset for either our Counselling Service or our Independent Sexual Violence Advisor Service please fill in our professionals online referral form.
The Client Support Services Team review all referrals once a day.
The referrals are then sent to our ISVA (Adult and CYP) and our Heads of Counselling (Adult and CYP) to make a decision as to support at STARS Dorset.
Please be aware that a referral in does not guarantee support with us. You may be signposted to other more suitable services. Please read our Eligibility Criteria.
There can be long waiting lists for some of our services. Your client’s case will automatically be closed if:
- They do not respond to contact from STARS Dorset (email and phone).
- They do not attend their booked initial appointment with either their Counsellor or their ISVA.
- They miss two sessions with their ISVA or Counsellor, without letting us know.
If referring anyone over the age of 16 who is or has been experiencing intimate partner (ex or current) and/or family member sexual abuse and violence, please provide a DASH score on the referral form and list any other professional referrals made; email a copy of the DASH, with client’s name and date of birth, to referrals@starsdorset.org
Please note we are unable to offer counselling to anyone currently living in an abusive relationship. They may be able to have ISVA support if linked with the Criminal Justice Process.
If you are unsure, please phone 01202 308840 and ask for advice from one of the Heads of Service.
Eligibility for Counselling Support
Counselling is not an alternative to mental health provisions or for those with on-going substance misuse.
Counselling at STARS is most suitable at the end of someone’s recovery journey. Each and every individual needs to be in a place of safety and able to work with their counsellor.
Eligibility for ISVA Support
The ISVA Service is for those people who have reported to the Police or wish to report. The ISVA team are happy to discuss details before any referral is made — you can call the team on 01202 308841.
If your client is due in court within the next month, please phone 01202 308840 or email ISVA@starsdorset.org with all the details. We can then allocate to an ISVA as a priority.