nhs or private

[ojuice123]

i am waiting weeks and weeks for any sort of counselling with the nhs they have offered a computer cbt course and then one to one if needed after i do have private health cover with work but have concerns about going down this route for counselling does anyone have any experience of doing this

what sort of help did you get bit worried about going out of the nhs circle

I went the same way as MaryShelley. We ended up paying a lot out of our own funds because I was making such great progress with the psychologist but our insurance only covered 6 or 10 sessions or something. I was able to stay in the "NHS circle" with my GP, psychiatrist and at one stage CMHT etc.

i am just a bit confused how it would all work do the private health cover find a counsellor or do you find your own i am back at docs tom so will ask advice then

If you go NHS it will involve no choice and around 6 sessions. As you been told first online course, then group treatment. Private depends on your health insurance but usually means individual treatment, by either a psychologist or psychotherapist and at a time more suitable to you ( NHS will be whenever it is). NHS will always have long waits, private is almost immediate. If you think online course right place to start then NHS is right option but I would check that does not stop you using private option.

Your gp will not know your private cover so I would phone your insurance company up before go to gp.

Personally I would go private, as you have more say about who see and when and where etc, but I have done NHS and paid privately ( no insurance here).

Private health insurance rarely covers counselling. CBT given by a clinical psychologist would be covered if you are referred by a psychiatrist. Check with insurers carefully befor you take up appointment. Print health cover for mental health is not brilliant