Specialist Counselling
Important Information – Please Read Before Completing the Referral Form
RASA Merseyside provides specialist counselling support for individuals affected by sexual violence. We do not offer crisis support.
If you are in immediate danger, please call 999.
If you require urgent mental health support, contact your local NHS Mental Health Crisis Team:
If the incident happened recently and you wish to undergo a forensic medical examination, please contact the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) at 0151 295 3550.
RASA Merseyside is a voluntary organisation with limited resources. To ensure that we can provide adequate support, we ask that referrals are made appropriately. Inappropriate referrals place additional strain on our service and may delay support for others.
Please consider whether RASA is the most suitable service before making a referral.
We Accept Referrals for Individuals Who Are:
- Adults (18 or over)
- Living in Wirral, Sefton, or Liverpool
- Registered with a GP in Merseyside
- Affected by any form of sexual violence, including harassment – whether recent or historic
We Cannot Accept Referrals for Individuals Who:
- Do not meet the eligibility criteria above
- Are currently experiencing a mental health crisis
- Are actively suicidal or have attempted suicide within the last 3 months
- Have experienced psychosis in the last 12 months or have a diagnosed psychotic condition
- Are currently an inpatient under Primary Care Mental Health services
- Have had multiple admissions or discharges from psychiatric hospitals in the past 12 months
- Are currently dependent on illegal drugs or alcohol
- We may consider referrals if the person has been in recovery for at least 6 months, or is actively engaged with a recognised drug/alcohol support service
- Are not primarily seeking support for sexual violence (e.g. those currently struggling with bereavement or terminal illness, other types of traumas)
- Are under investigation for, or convicted of, rape or sexual assault. Please refer to:
- Have completed counselling with us within the last 6 months. A 6-month waiting period is required before re-referral.
RASA Merseyside provides up to 12 weekly counselling sessions, available in person, over the phone, or online. All our counsellors are women. Our team is made up of fully qualified professionals and carefully selected student counsellors who have been assessed as fit to practice.
After your referral is received, we’ll invite you to complete a short self-assessment form within 7 days. This helps us understand your needs and ensures our service is the right fit for you. The form will be sent to you via email. If you’re unable to complete it online, we will contact you by phone.
If counselling with us feels suitable, a counsellor will get in touch to offer an appointment as soon as space becomes available.
We take a person-centred approach, tailoring our support to meet each individual's unique needs. Where appropriate, we also integrate a range of therapeutic techniques to provide the most effective and supportive care possible. All our Counsellors are registered members of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) adhere to the Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions.
If you choose to access therapy before your case goes to court, we adhere to guidelines from the Crown Prosecution Service. Click here to read their latest guidance on pre-trial therapy.
How to refer for counselling
You can make a referral by clicking on Make a referral page or calling the office on 0151 558 1801 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Contact Us -
RASA Merseyside
2 -3 Stella Nova,
Washington Parade,
Bootle, L20 4TZ
Donate
RASA Counselling provision is free service for survivors or sexual abuse and those impacted by it. However, we always welcome donations from any individual to assist us with meeting the running costs of the service.