Nhs Therapy Scotland

[Fraser46]

I have a assessment in two weeks time, so hopefully it will go ok. The Psychologist that I see is trained in EMDR and there doesnt seem to be any other psychologists who specialise in EMDR within a 60 mile commute. I see a psychiatrist on the NHS who is great and see him once a month. I have tried a couple of local therapists/counsellors but didn't feel that I was making much progress. So although I am paying more, I feel that I am making some progress. The NHS Psychologist is maybe 25 miles away from my home, but luckily just a few miles from work, so hopefully it will be beneficial.

 

[Meadowsweet]

Like others have said, what is available on the NHS is different according to where you live.

In my area I waited months to be seen initially, then months after that to see a therapist. She was a tier 1 therapist who could offer between 6 and 20 sessions (including the initial diagnostic and getting to know you sessions). But she told me she was not experienced enough in multiple trauma and dissociation to be able to treat me. I was then given a choice to be referred for tier 2 assessment - but there was a waiting list of ay least 1 year just to be assessed, and at the end of that treatment would still be time limited. So in the end I was referred to a charity that deals with rape and sexual abuse. I had to wait 12 months to see a therapist, and I don't know now if it's going to help or not.

So, only on my own (limited) experience, I would say, if your private therapy is working, don't be too quick to let go of that if you can stretch to the cost. I don't understand how 2 therapists at once would work - it would seem confusing? I understand when people have a psychiatrist to prescribe medication, and a psychologist to do therapy with. But 2 different therapists might be counter-productive. But, having said that, I haven't had that experience.

 

[Lucycat]

Like others have said, what is available on the NHS is different according to where you live.

In my area I waited months to be seen initially, then months after that to see a therapist.

I know I keep on about how lucky I was but - I waited a week from referral to assessment, and then started therapy in less than a week . That was over the Christmas Holidays too!

It really does sadden me that not everybody can get the expert service that we all deserve. Charities are great - but in my opinion they should be supplementing not substituting for NHS treatment. I know they are there because they are needed, and do a very good job, but you would not get treated like that for any physical illness. Services like Macmillan and Marie Curie these days are often part funded posts shared between the NHS and the charity. They provide an excellent service, but it is not like they say 'the NHS is no good for your cancer so go and find yourself a charity to help you'.

I appreciate that if you have no choice, then you will go to whoever can help and support you. I just hate the fact that the NHS is failing so many people.

I might add, the psychiatrist I referred to in a previous post has actually retired now from the NHS. But as they cannot replace him, he continues to practise part time for the NHS and then does Private work too. He is one of very few who is passionate about trauma work, and practices more like a psychologist in my opinion - not just dishing out diagnoses and pills but actually undertaking therapy with clients.

 

[Meadowsweet]

Lucycat, if I could like that post a thousand times, I would, It is so frustrating.

 

[Fraser46]

It is very frustrating that treatment and support seems to vary depending on where you live. All the NHS trusts should be required to ensure that patients are given a similar service - particularly in regard to waiting times and services provided.

 

[Abstract]

I have a assessment in two weeks time,

Let us know how it goes.

referred to a charity

Me too but my dr advised me to not even bother to go through the NHS. May I ask if yours is time limited? If I thought there was a chance of ongoing I might give it another bash.

but you would not get treated like that for any physical illness

Well said Lucycat. What you describe is exactly the problem. The other way I would express it is that there would be an outcry if they started getting dentists to do heart surgery. It would be like saying that if you didn't like it or you had any adverse affects that you should lump it and it is your fault.

 

[Meadowsweet]

Me too but my dr advised me to not even bother to go through the NHS. May I ask if yours is time limited? If I thought there was a chance of ongoing I might give it another bash.

No it's not. Theoretically, it is limited to two years to prevent giving treatment that is havinf no effect or clients developing dependency on treatment. In my mind, if there isn't enough progress made in two years, then this treatment isn't working.

I'm there to heal, and it's only me that can do that.

 

[Fraser46]

Psychologist seemed nice and was knowledgable. I have been offered 40 sessions on the NHS which could be increased up to a maximum of 50. She is recommending Exposure Therapy as I have showed limited improvement with EMDR. She is in the same team as the psychiatrist that I see privately, so is aware of the medication options that I have tried.

I certainly think seeing the NHS is worth a try as I was offered more appointments than I expected. Appointments are surprisingly at 7:30am, but this suits me fine for work.

I spoke to my Head Teacher today, as this will have implications for work (and was willing to use my preparation time to attend appointments as wont get to work by 8:30 am, it would be 9:30 am) and she has been very understanding. She wants me to attend the appointments and not worry about the teaching time, as the class can be covered, she wants me to try and get the support that I require and stop being so hard on myself.

 

[rainy_daze]

I have been offered 40 sessions on the NHS which could be increased up to a maximum of 50. She is recommending Exposure Therapy

Wow, I live in the wrong area for treatment. I'm so impressed with that number of sessions and the type of therapy you are being offered. Good to know in some places it isn't a one size fits all kind of policy, with less waiting times too. Glad to hear your meeting with the NHS psych went well.

Definitely in agreement with the HT where you work too, get the support and don't worry about missing an hour.

 

[Fraser46]

Although I have been on the waiting list a long term (June 2012), I am thankful that I have been offered a good number of sessions. I have previously had CBT and EMDR therapy privately, so psychologist thought I might benefit more from Exposure Therapy. Sessions start this week, so definitely hopefully.