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. So your clients 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 session with their ISVA or Counsellor, without letting us know.
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.
