Here for someone

Psychosis · Refused help

They do not think anything is wrong

You may not be able to persuade them to accept a diagnosis. You can still protect the relationship, offer practical help and pass concerns to services.

Work with what they will discussListen to what is bothering them, look for a shared practical goal and avoid making acceptance of a diagnosis the price of your support.
Immediate danger? Call 999 or go to A&E if someone's life is at risk or you cannot keep anyone safe. For urgent mental-health help that is not an emergency, use the urgent-help page.
Sources: NHS and Rethink Mental Illness
NHS urgent-help guidance and Rethink's crisis guidance.

Keep the conversation usable

Rethink advises focusing on how the person feels rather than debating the content of unusual beliefs. You may find common ground around sleep, fear, stress, getting home, speaking to one trusted person or making the next hour quieter.

Offer one manageable option and leave room for them to say no. Try again later unless the situation has become urgent.

Sources: Rethink Mental Illness and Mind
Rethink's psychosis communication guidance and Mind: helping someone else seek help.

What to avoid saying

  • “You are psychotic. Admit it.” Repeating a diagnostic argument can close down the conversation.
  • “None of this is real.” Rethink advises acknowledging the distress instead of dismissing the experience.
  • “If you will not get help, I cannot do anything.” You can still offer a practical next step and share safety concerns with services.

Try: “You seem frightened and you have hardly slept. Would you talk to someone about that part?”

Sources: Rethink Mental Illness and Mind
The examples apply Rethink's advice to focus on feelings rather than arguing, and Mind's advice to avoid forcing or threatening someone into help.

You can give information even when services cannot give it back

Confidentiality may prevent a service from discussing the person's care with you. It does not prevent you from sending factual observations or safety concerns. Say that you understand they may not be able to respond, then give dates, changes and risks clearly.

Sources: GMC and Rethink Mental Illness
GMC confidentiality guidance and Rethink's guidance on sharing concerns with professionals.

Write down what services need

  1. What changed, and when.
  2. What the person has said or done. Use their words where possible.
  3. How they are functioning. Sleep, food, hygiene, work, study and contact with others.
  4. What makes you think it is urgent. Put immediate safety concerns first.

When refusal becomes an urgent situation

Use the urgent or emergency route if the person's life is at risk, you cannot keep anyone safe, or the situation needs immediate expert assessment. A professional decides what assessment or treatment is appropriate.

What to say in the momentFind the right teamSupport for you
What “they have capacity” meansWhen services say no

Here for Someone is an independent information project. It is not a helpline or medical service. This page organises public guidance from the organisations linked beside the relevant information; it has not been clinically reviewed by Here for Someone.

Sources checked: 26 August 2026

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