Help needed for my 10-year-old son who saw me get assaulted.

[S210873]

Hi all, hoping someone can help. I'm trying to find a child psychiatrist for my son and I'm hitting a wall. Our GP has agreed a referral and I have private cover with Bupa, but every clinic I've contacted has promised a call back and not one has followed through. I've now tried six. Does anyone have someone they'd personally recommend, or a name and direct number that actually picks up and someone responds pls? Would really appreciate any leads. Thank you x

What type of assault (not expecting you to say on here but this matters - as some domestic abuse charities offer support/counselling for yp who have been impacted by it)

psychiatrist would be very expensive and a 10 year old is unlikely to need to be seen by one as usually they deal more with medication and clinical management in the uk?

psychologist or psychotherapist may be more likely? What makes you think he needs to be seen? Is he suffering symptoms of ptsd? Is he anxious/low?
would he benefit from some school counselling if they offer this?
lots of info to consider when thinking about child mental health

Agree that a child psychologist would be more likely to be the right person.

I agree, a child psychologist who can assess and provide therapy for PTSD. Look for a clinical or counselling psychologist who is registered with the HCPC. BUPA will have plenty registered with them..

Are you in touch with victim support — they can help.

Also the children’s charities, NSPCC and Barnardo’s, might be able to help

I had my arm broken by a man while walking the kids home from school. It is a legal case. The GP has referred him. My daughter saw an EMDR specialist online as she was there, too and had nightmares. My son also feels excluded from school, has been pushed at school, had to get stitches in his ear, and been elbowed in his stomach and told he isn't part of the gang when he was sitting at a table of boys in his class. It has knocked his confidence. I've complained to the school but as usual, they blur the lines as the parents of the boys help a lot at school. Pre-school finishing last summer term, he was barraged by a group of boys in his class, throwing balls at him; he became upset. I found out from my daughter that he was crying at school, he never told me, too scared of being called a squeal. When I went to the headmistress, she called in the deputy who was present that day and managed it, who said my son was throwing it back. I spoke with my son, who explained that he was throwing a dodgeball, and when they all started throwing it, he threw it back. This was after the term had finished, so I couldn't say anything. We tried to help him online, but it didn't work for him. The GP is saying it has to be face-to-face. I'm also going through a divorce. He isn't himself, I know. His father can't manage his emotions, so he often lets rip on my son.

You are right; sorry, it's a psychologist. I used the wrong name.

I've tried a few and spoken to Bupa and they say there is a shortage of resources.

Yes, its an ongoing case; hopefully the man is soon to be prosecuted.

Sorry, I commented and then forgot to check back in. Did your daughter find EMDR useful?
It seems your son has had other struggles alongside the incident he witnessed, such as bullying. If he isn’t specifically struggling with ptsd symptoms then perhaps it could be useful for him to have some support via a therapist if you can’t find a psychologist. Maybe try other registers such as HCPC, BABCP or BACP if you are paying privately? Or you could ask the school mental health lead/pastoral/DSL to make a referral to either a mentally healthy schools team/CAMHS? If BUPA are saying there are no psychologists available? (Strange though! Although perhaps they are ringfencing them for other criteria that has to be met if there’s a shortage in their service)