Still No Therapy

[Sandstone]

I can't do this any longer.

The NHS told me that within a fortnight I'd be getting an appointment with an out of area trauma specialist. I'd been struggling not to believe it, because I know they never keep to what they promise, but I'm so desperate for some sort of hope that I let myself think it might happen this time. The said the only person in the area with a trauma specialty was made redundant as part of the cuts last year.

Today, on the last day of the fortnight, I got a letter. It makes an appointment to see someone in the local team, for the 29th December

"to discuss moving forward with this….. to plan how the therapy will take place and what support will be available" No sign of anyone with any level of specialism.


I saw this woman in February, 10 months ago. She told me I needed trauma focussed CBT. So once again, I'm going to be assessed and put on a waiting list. The NHS Trust has been referred to Monitor, so will be in even more of a state of turmoil, and I will fall through the cracks again.

I need help. It's 17 months since they provide any therapy. It's three months since my Care Co-ordinator made any contact with me.

Last week I was sitting looking at the pills again, and all they offer me is an appointment in another 3 and half weeks to discuss something that might possibly happen in an unspecified time, with an unspecified person.

 

[risingsun]

No sign of anyone with any level of specialism.

I am sorry and understand how it feels when you just cant seem to find anyone. However, their lack of response to you and putting you off has been highly unacceptable. I would file a formal complaint. I am so sorry you are going through this. Please stay strong. And, as hard as it is, don't let this become an additional stressor and source of depression for you.

Is there anyway that you could try something in the meantime (i.e., alternative therapy of some sort) that doesn't cost too much. I'm sorry I couldn't be more of a help. I hope that this next person either can (a) help you or (b) steer you in the right direction and follow up on that direction. I wish you the best of luck with this. Warmest, Rising Sun

Stay strong and keep the faith.

 

[Lucycat]

Looking at this from another perspective- if you have had no contact with a "care"coordinator for three months might she be under the impression that you are doing ok as you have not chased her up? I am not suggesting that you should have to or that it is not her job to do the contacting, but I have also heard the expression ' he who shouts loudest........'

Actually do you even know if the "care" coordinator is still in post?

 

[Sandstone]

It's quite possible she is no longer there,as she was a social worker and the county council took them back. When the CC before last went off sick, he wasn't replaced for months. I did chase repeatedly then, but no-one seemed to know what was happening.

 

[Purplemunchkin]

Nothing much to add, I'm afraid, but just want you to know you're not alone.

My husband has felt abandoned by the system, been promised all sorts by the NHS, and his care co-ordinator has repeatedly 'closed' his case even though he has still not had trauma therapy.

 

[Namenotdiagnosis]

Unfortunately I was in same position,my assesment came back as high priority for cptsd therapy as Cbt wouldn't even touch the sides ! I recieved a letter from the hospital saying that they are the only ones that offer therapy for PTSD in the area and they have a waiting list , this was back in March , they said it wS a years waiting!!!! When I asked them if they'd read my assesment and it wS classed as high priority they told me everyone says the same! Unfortunately I was in a very bad way at the time , I couldn't wait a week let alone a year, however I was in a very fortunate position which I appreciate not everyone is, but my family Rallied around and paid private for 3 months treatment. It coz 2k!!!!! That's hell of a lot of money and noway could I have afforded that, and it really pissed me off because I should have been entitled to it on the NHS I've been paying taxes for 27 years .
I am currently doing well so well worth it. I'm not sure challenging it, complaining is going to help because if they have made cutbacks there's not lot you can do.
Have you tried EFT? It's free on you tube and is fantastic , I use it as a back up . I'm not really sure what else to advise , really sorry, I wish I could help because I understand how frustrating it can be. Good luck

 

[Sandstone]

@Namenotdiagnosis where do you go private? We've looked, but only found places even more expensive than that.

 

[Namenotdiagnosis]

Hi stenni I live in Hertfordshire so I found a t whom specialised in PTSD , I think there's abt a handful if that. I didn't want a t that was experienced in everything , she does emdr, brain spotting she goes with watever treatment you feel is the best and most comfortable . I think she worked out at abt 60 to 70 pound an hour can't remember exact coz family paid, nd sometimes I had two hours In The beginning so she did she did me a deal.

 

[Chosen]

Maybe you should move to the US. I'm uninsured and there are plenty of charity mental health organizations without waiting lists where I can get sessions for $20-35. Though no telling what the monstrosity of ObamaCare will do to the nation. :(

I'm sorry it's so hard for you guys in the UK.