• 💖 [Donate To Keep MyPTSD Online] 💖 Every contribution, no matter how small, fuels our mission and helps us continue to provide peer-to-peer services. Your generosity keeps us independent and available freely to the world. MyPTSD closes if we can't reach our annual goal.

Slowly getting there - Any insight on what happens next in UK after GP referral?

Status
Not open for further replies.
If your in the UK then you should get referred to the mental health services and possibly get a psychiatrist and referred to IAPT psychological services for therapy. It can take a long time. Iapt wouldnt take me even though I applied about 4 times. I pay for private counselling and it's much better anyway.
 
I can't say that. You'll just have to see what they say. When you applied online what did you have to do? What did it say it was for? They usually phone you up and do an assessment.
 
It was more an online form for depression/low mood, so asked about my mood... but for me I feel like the PTSD is obviously linked, so I just added that I think I have PTSD too.
 
That's good but just to clarify you might have to ask your gp directly to be referred to the mental health services just to make sure. My psychiatrist said she is treating me for depression and anxiety but also wrote in diagnosis that I have "a history of complex trauma" so they are acknowledging it. The process takes time.
 
My experience with NHS has been more positive, I assume England? Which differs slightly from Scotland, but in England I was referred to IAPT and got reviewed by a CPN (community psych nurse) after a phonecall to assess stuff, and they decided what they'd do to help. That was actually pretty quick for me. (Like less than a month if I remember right)

If they decide you need more specialised support, or just bog standard counselling (so either side of the spectrum really), it could be a couple years for a therapist, but yeah, take one step as it comes.

Hope it all goes smoothly.
 
So today, I've used my GP online services to get some help for PTSD & Depression - I've struggled with it for such a long time and finally built up the courage to seek help. I'll get a phonecall in within next 48 hours but can anyone give any insight as to what will happen next?
It is great you have reached out to your GP. What happens nexts seems to vary from place to place but your GP should be able to refer you on and advise on next steps.

Most IAPT (Improving Access to Phycological Therapies) services offer self referral as well so you don’t need to go through your GP, you can complete the form yourself online. Google IAPT and your area to try and find what is local to you, these are free NHS services. Where I am it is called the Wellbeing Service. Once you have submitted the referral they will contact you for an assessment to see if their services are the right fit for your needs. They offer things like CBT as well as low intervention support such as guided self help.

From my understanding and experience this is the normal starting route. If your needs can not be met this way your GP can refer you to Secondary Care, which is services based from hospital or community mental health teams. This tends to be in case with more complex presentations or those who need a coordinated team of support.

It also might be that support is recommended through local charities or community organisations depending on what exists where you are.

Help and support is out there and you deserve it. Some people struggle to get access to the services they feel they need but in my experience I have navigated this quite easily. I find the waiting is hard and not knowing what will happen next. I have tendency to over research things but am aware that is anxiety driven behaviour so wouldn’t recommend that!

Reaching out to your GP is a huge and really positive starting point. I am sure they will be able to guide and support you onwards.
 
From my understanding and experience this is the normal starting route. If your needs can not be met this way your GP can refer you to Secondary Care, which is services based from hospital or community mental health teams. This tends to be in case with more complex presentations or those who need a coordinated team of support
This. Plus tertiary level teams exist too (specialised trauma therapists etc), but I can't mind off the top of my head where they all are tbh. I knew once upon a time, but nope, gone. So that's pretty dependent on location, but I've probably found them most helpful personally.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top