Obtaining a diagnosis of PTSD - timeframe?

[MakeMineALarge1]

Can anyone tell me how long on average it can take to be diagnosed with PTSD and who can diagnose you?
Does it have to be psychiatrist or can it be a counsellor?
I an having conflicting advice.

A counsellor can't diagnose you (well, they might try but they shouldn't). A diagnosis comes from a psychiatrist. I think the length of time will depend on how long it takes to get referred if you're going via the NHS. I was diagnosed privately and it was a week from GP appt to psychiatrist diagnosis.

I'm a bit hazy about the exact timings as I wasn't functioning very well at the time. Gp told me to self refer to IAPS. From that point it was only a couple of weeks to get a diagnosis. Longer wait for treatment and I ended up going private. I highly recommend emdr therapy.

I've been referred through the gp about six months and have been told about 2 years where I am, or £1300 to go private (plus pay for meds if I need them).

Primary mental health team made referral to specific service - psychology - the wait for that was 12 months. C-Ptsd diagnosis and treatment suggested was EMDR....the wait list for that 18 months at least 🙄.
Was 12 then covid increased to 18.
This is NHS.
Private won't accept as 'too complex'.

It took around 4 weeks, from initial contact with GP to psychiatrist diagnosis after a referral (C-PTSD).

My trauma was pretty severe and my symptoms very 'classic' and had been on-going for a long time.

Treatment (CBT) was incredibly helpful, and 90% of the symptoms have now subsided, although there will be aspects I think I'll always live with. Very lucky to have been listened to and had support.

A consultant clinical psychologist can diagnose, as can a psychiatrist. A counsellor wouldn’t be qualified to do so.

Thank you for your input x

Yes a consultant clinical psychologist- I paid £400 for a private consultation and a medical report (I’m taking legal action).
A psychiatrist quoted me twice as much.
A counsellor or a GP cannot diagnose you with PTSD.
I also strongly recommend EMDR therapy