Where to get assessment?

[boxesandplanes]

Hello, I'm wondering, can ptsd be assessed/diagnosed/treated by a psychologist or does it need to be a psychiatrist?

[Nathalie99 Partner]

Hi boxesandplanes,

It depends on the country you are in.

I would think that if you need therapy, then psychologist can treat you and if you also need medication to help then it might be needed to see both a psychiatrist and a psychologist.

I hope you find a knowledgeable trauma therapist.

[boxesandplanes in reply to Nathalie99]

Thanks, I'm in th UK (England). Where can I get assessment though, would psychologist be able to assess and diagnose?

[Marnie22 Volunteer in reply to boxesandplanes]

Hi. I was originally diagnosed by a neuropsychologist, (following a brain injury.) I am having EMDR with a psychologist.I do hope you can access what you need.

[Nathalie99 Partner in reply to boxesandplanes]

I think you need to ask your GP for a referral but I am not 100% sure as I'm not in the UK.

[Marnie22 Volunteer in reply to Nathalie99]

Yes, I had to ask my GP for a referral after seeing the neuropsychologist. I should have said that.

[boxesandplanes in reply to Marnie22]

Thank you. I don't have a gp and wanted to get treatment privately. I just don't know who to go to.

Have diagnosis of ptsd, but counsellor said complex ptsd, but can't diagnose.

So I am just wondering, who can assess, diagnose and treat? Looking for EMDR

[Marnie22 Volunteer in reply to boxesandplanes]

Hi. I am not sure if this site could be helpful:ptsduk.org/

I just need to say, when you choose a therapist, whatever type of therapy they offer, please make sure that they are trained and experienced in trauma focused therapy. That is really vital.

I chose EMDR ( on the NHS,) because it actually reprocesses the trauma rather than teaching a person how to manage it.

Take care.

[Nathalie99 Partner in reply to boxesandplanes]

There is a website called mind.org.uk where you can find about therapy privately, however they only seem to cover talk therapy, which isn't always effective in C-PTSD. Here is the link:

mind.org.uk/information-sup...

There are different types of other therapies like EMDR.

If you'd like to try EMDR which is specifically designed for any kind of trauma, here is another organization:

emdrassociation.org.uk/find...

Do you have any idea of what kind of therapy would you prefer?

I have a private therapist that specializes in somatic experiencing.