self referral uk

[Itchyislander]

So I have just been looking in to possible treatments the doctor will prescribe for my general anxiety. I saw a link saying I could do a self referral in the NHS. Anyone done this route? How quickly do things happen. Is it useful, or will I just get given a bunch of forms and youtube links? I really need to get control of this. This morning I feel anxious but have no idea why specifically.

[EleanorRose]

You can refer yourself to Mind for talking therapy.

I know GPs where I live generally refer you to Mind and often do suggest you make the referral yourself. It probably depends where in the country you are as there are lots of organisations which provide different talking therapies.

If you refer to Mind what will general happen is they will phone you to make an appointment for an assessment - you’ll then go to an assessment where they’ll discuss what problems you’re having, what type of talking therapy would be most useful to you (counselling, CBT etc). You will then be given a therapist (there might be a wait of a few weeks), I believe they used to give you 12 sessions as a ‘standard’ amount but I know a friend who referred recently was given 6 sessions. At the end of that time, they decide whether you need more sessions, end therapy, referral to someone else etc.

It’s worth doing it.

[Hidden]

Hi I’m presuming it’s self referral for CBT. (Cognitive behavioural therapy)

I did this five years ago and have done it since ..you can self refer again after six months once completion of a therapy is over.

I would have been lost without it.just being in the system helped me.

There are waiting lists and it depends on your area how long you will wait. Initially I waited six weeks it can be longer.

My first experience was over the telephone each week. Eventually it was face to face one to one ...I benefited from these therapies so much. I learnt about my illness and I feel knowledge is power. Learning to better manage things helps so much. I realise I’m not going to be cured by anyone and the work needs to come from me in making things easier and better.

Eventually I went to see a psychologist in respect of my trauma and it was via the cbt therapist that I was referred, so it can also lead to any other necessary help.

I also attended a 12 week mindfulness course as a result of having a cbt therapist.

I had to persevere, and wait and be committed,but in my opinion it was all worth it. Not a lot of form filling in my experience anyway...

I checked NHS CBT talking therapies and put my area and and the details were there..

Hope this helps. The route I mention is direct to the NHS.

Best wishes xx

[Itchyislander]

Thanks both. It sounds like it's really worth doing. I used to never let anything bother me and now every little problem becomes worst case scenario.

I will give them a call Tuesday. Hopefully the wait is not too long as I need to be able to sleep!

[Hidden in reply to Itchyislander]

Your welcome !

Mind didn’t have the therapy service available in my area. 😞

So if you try them and they don’t,I believe NHS have it available in most areas...either way it’s well worth doing

Good luck x