How long for CMHT referral?

[FlamingoBingo]

I've been referred to the community mental health team. My GP said I'd hear within two weeks, but I know GPs aren't always right. Can anyone give me a good idea of when and how I might hear? What's likely to happen next?

Thanks

well i was told it takes 4-6 six weeks to hear something for them. But maybe it depends where you live.

I think referral times do vary according to area.

I've waited 1 week and 10 days on separate occasions but I would imagine it probably varies depending where you live. Like you I was told I'd hear within 2 weeks, but I also had the appointments within 2 weeks too.

Two weeks sounds good! 4-6 weeks is a long time, and I guess you first meet a heath worker who makes assesment and then if you are lucky a psyhiatrist.
Luckily I feel better now.

Thanks, all - guess it's just a waiting game then!

The doctor makes the referral which should arrive within a few days but some referrals may be emailed or phoned in.

The CMHT holds bi weekly assessment clinics in which referrals are seen. Letters are sent out offering an appointment for assessment within a few days of receiving the GP referral.

The patient is assessed, informed if they are to be taken on then allocated a case manager/key worker who will work with them if they are deemed in need of what the CMHT offers. This is often the person who assesses them (in our system anyway, to avoid 'cherrypicking' clients).They may be referred elsewhere such as MIND.

We also receive referrals from in patient units for soon-to-be-discharged in patients and other emergency referrals who are deemed not to need assessment to see if they need our input. These are allocated a case manager during a weekly meeting.

Phone and ask.

Just a note to not be scared if they call you in to the mental health unit - they have outpatient bits and it really isn't anything like the wards. I just say because I know that in most towns the name of the mental health unit is well known and so getting a letter from there can be alarming.
It is just like a normal outpatients clinic, except more homely and less queues, and they see loads of people - in my old town pretty much anyone got sent there for an assessment.
They are just as likely to see you at your home, which again is nothing to be scared of - they won't judge (in fact I have been told that my chaotic house is lovely for them to visit, as they have to go to some awful places) and it is just so you feel comfortable.

Thank you, nursenic and SOE :)