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Getting referred to a therapist

NorthEastRecluse

With all the mental health problems I've been having lately, feeling major anxiety and depressive episodes, I've been thinking I need to be referred to a therapist. However, I've tried various things through the NHS - CBT and Talking Therapies, for instace - but none of it seems to work. It all feels too "standardised", like there are catch-all solutions that I suspect are made with neurotypicals in mind and not taking individual circumstances into account.

I feel like my only solution is to go private, but I certainly can't afford that due to being so reliant on benefits.

Isn't there any way to be referred to a therapist, someone who can help on a more personal level?

  • So I've recently made some progress with NHS talking therapies. I'm yet to have my next lot of therapy so I can't tell you how good the outcome will be. But I like you had been given CBT and some talking therapy that just wasn't suitable for me and my needs. I was ready to give up on NHS therapy but the last therapist I had had referred it back for long term therapy. It took me a bit of pushing by email to get a response from step 4 therapy but eventually I got a phone call from the psychologist in charge in my area. He agreed a 1 off appointment to discuss my needs. He was very understanding. Agreed that things like CBT were not useful in my case. He made some suggestions of a therapy path that may hopefully be more suitable. He is taking the notes back to his team to decide on the best person to work with me. He has also put it down as therapy not completed as the last bout was unsuitable, rather than me needing to be discharged and referred back. He thinks it'll probably be about spring time when I am seen for my therapy as he doesn't want to put me with the next available therapist but the most suitable one which I'm totally in agreement with. This was by far the most flexible and understanding I have found NHS therapy to be so I'm hopeful this time I may actually have found the right path. I tell you this story because I want you to know that there are more flexible options with NHS, it may just take a bit of pushing.

    I couldn't afford private therapy either and was worried that I may pay out a load of money and it still not actually be helpful or effective. I would perhaps try asking your GP to refer you back to talking therapies but request step 4 and ask them to put a note on about you needing a neurodivergent specialist. It may well be a long wait but if you are able to wait when you get to the front of the list, don't let them just give you the first available appointment, request a one off appointment with the head psychologist to discuss what would actually be suitable. I wish you a lot of luck. I know how difficult a therapy journey can be and I really hope you find the right thing for you.