Published on 12, July, 2020
I have had mental health issues for my entire life. About a year ago at the suggestion of my CMHT I underwent a ASD diagnosis, they suggested that there’ll be an entire suite of specialist support, unfortunately it appears that I was lied to. The CMHT are suggesting that there’s no point in offering me treatment for anxiety and depression as it’s endemic to my condition and won’t refer me to adult autism services. My depression, anxiety and living conditions are getting worse and worse. They’re lying on referral forms when I phone the crisis lines and I’m increasingly believing that their purpose is to cover up the inadequacy of current services. I need support from somewhere and they seem to see it as a great opportunity to conduct initial interviews to evidence that they are doing something and then telling me to F#€k off! Could anyone please help?
Email the ceo of the unit or cmht what ever Partnership it is or trust or Pals there’s also medical tribunals as well not sure if suitable just a few ideas
That sounds very familiar, sorry you're going through this too. It's because all autism support is provided by outside agencies and what is offered varies by region. In my area we have CASS - Community Autism Support Service who work with Mind to provide some autism services but nowhere near what I was lead to believe I would be offered after my diagnosis. I would suggest contacting CASS (I think there is a version of this service nationwide) and asking for a list of services in your area. Some services like 1-1 support will have a waiting list and others like group social activities will not. Send them an email or call them, it does take a few days / weeks to get a reply by email but once you have received one reply, they are very quick. Get yourself on the waiting list and take up anything else that you can while you wait.
If you still get no response and would like to complain, I would suggest starting with writing a letter to your CMHT setting out what you were promised and what support you need. If that doesn't work try Pals - the volunteer run public liason and support service. If that fails, you could try contacting your MP. Obviously be polite and respectful when complaining but try to be clear I what you want from them.