Direct referrals for clients

Who should be referred to this service?

Our service has been found to be very effective at helping a wide range of sexual problems, including:

• erectile dysfunction
• loss of libido
• premature ejaculation
• orgasm problems
• dyspareunia
• delayed ejaculation
• vaginismus
• impaired arousal.

Who should not be referred to this service?

Please do not refer the following groups:

• anyone under 18 years of age
• severely depressed or psychotic patients
• those with personality disorders
• active substance abuse, including alcohol
• coercion by a partner to seek help
• patients needing intra-urethral or intra-cavernous Alprostadil, vacuum pump or penile implant
• those with severe sexual difficulties as a result of deep-seated psychological disturbances, e.g. exhibitionists, paedophilia, sex addition, compulsive masturbation
• those whose sexual difficulties are a symptom of a much wider general disturbance either as an individual or a couple
• those with language difficulties (e.g. non-English speaking) or who have previous failed long-term psychotherapy may not be appropriate for this service (please discuss before referral)
• gender dysphoria requesting sex changes or querying sexual identity (GPs can refer directly to gender identity clinics)
• PTSD as a result of sexual trauma or assault.

Please see below for details of alternative services.

How do we work?

The Psychosexual Medicine clinics  are run by doctors who have been trained by the Institute of Psychosexual Medicine.  They will undertake:

• a full history, medical and psychosexual, will define the problem and offer clues to its origin
• the doctor will identify the perceptions, concerns and expectations of the patient and (if present) their partner
• the patient will be examined, physically and psychosomatically
• the patient will be counselled regarding various options available for treatment, which may include brief psychodynamic intervention for patients with stable personalities; advice in behavioural techniques; referral to a different specialist for management of a physical problem.

Our approach is best suited to patients whose overall adjustment is good but who are experiencing sexual problems. The patient who is most likely to benefit is one who is highly motivated, capable of developing insight into their problems and able to assume responsibility for their own actions.

Where are the clinics held?

In Blandford, Bournemouth, Poole, Wareham and Weymouth. See our clinics page for locations and opening times.

How do I refer to the service?

Referrals can be made by any healthcare professional who has seen the patient. Please complete the referral form.

The Psychosexual Medicine service is an “opt-in” service and a mobile phone number (preferred) or other method of contact should be included in the referral. The first appointment will be made only once the patient has confirmed that they wish to attend.

Referrals should include any relevant past medical history, medication details and copies of blood test results. Referrals for patients with erectile dysfunction should be accompanied by an endocrine profile including LH, FSH, TSH, prolactin, testosterone, SHBG, cholesterol and blood glucose.

We aim to see people as soon as possible, however at time the waiting time may be up to six-nine months. On discharge the referrer will be sent a letter summarising the treatment and outcome.

Useful resources

British Society for Sexual Medicine

BSSM ED guidelines

Other services

Our doctors are happy to discuss potential referrals by email – dhc.psychosexualservice@nhs.net.

Gender identity clinics

A mental health service assessment is not required before referral. The GP must be willing to collaborate with patient care.

Tavistock & Portman Gender Identity Clinic

The Laurels Gender Identity Clinic

Paraphilias and sex addiction

Paraphilias are conditions such as voyeurism, exhibitionism, paedophilia, addiction to pornography, extreme sexual desire or extreme masturbation.  The Portman Clinic offers long term psychoanalytic psychotherapy to people who suffer from problems arising from damaging sexual behaviour experiences.

Dorset ICB approval is required before sending NHS referrals.

Marriage care counselling

Marriage Care Bournemouth

Relationship and Family Therapy (RAFT) Ltd

RAFT Bournemouth

Patient groups

Relationship guidance counsellors
Relationship Wessex Poundbury

Sexual problems
Sex Addicts Anonymous UK
Sex and porn addiction
The Laurel Centre (private)

Stop SO Specialist treatment organisation for the prevention of sexual offending. This organisation works with those at risk of sexual offending or reoffending to enable them to stop acting out, thus reducing the risk to society and lessening the number of victims. They work with the families of sex offenders who also have to come to terms with being related to a sex offender.

The Lucy Faithfull Foundation This foundation works with entire families that have been affected by sexual abuse, including adult male and female sexual abusers; young people with inappropriate sexual behaviours; victims of abuse and other family members.

Sexual trauma
Sexual Trauma and Recovery Service Self (STARS) Self-referral, a pan Dorset charity that offers one-to-one support, free of charge, for any age or gender who lives, works, or studies in Dorset and has experienced any form of sexual violence at any time in their lives.

Transgender support
The Beaumont Society London

Non-NHS psychotherapy for sex addiction
Fresh Start Psychotherapy London

Local urology clinics: for assessment and training prior to Caverject injections or MUSE
Bournemouth - University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust, The Royal Bournemouth Hospital
Dorchester - Dorset County Hospital

Tertiary urology clinics: for penile implants
Bristol - Department of Urology, North Bristol NHS Trust, Southmead Hospital
Southampton - Southampton General Hospital

Erectile dysfunction clinics for diabetics: for assessment for Caverject and MUSE
Bournemouth - University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust, The Royal Bournemouth Hospital
Dorchester - Dorset County Hospital
Poole - University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust, Poole General Hospital