To go private?

[danielleparry]

I'm struggling with my mental health, and I'm getting no where with the NHS.

A member of my family has offered to pay for me to get private care.

Is it worth it? Or shall I just stay on the waiting list with the nhs?

I didn't really get anywhere with the NHS either. I don't think i was in a bad enough state to demand their attention right away, so people who needed care urgently (understandably) got pushed ahead of me.
I went private and can't speak enough good words about it. I had the choice of counselors in my area and was seen the following week. Worth every penny i spent

Grab the opportunity and go for it. You are worth it ☺️ x

Ahhh this gives me hope!!!! Thankyou ladies

It’s absolutely worth it! I went private for counselling a few years ago due to nhs waiting times and my deteriorating mh, was worth every penny. Go for it! 💐

Can those that went private say how they worked out a good therapist, please.

We had a long session with a private therapist and it was a waste of time for my family member.

Genuine call for guidelines on avoiding wasting money.

I'd also really like to know where to start finding someone private.

TIA!

I would go for it but go for a psychologist and preferably a doctor. The training is far more in depth. Most people who do the training course to become counsellors which can be as little as 3 hours a weeks for a few years go into private practice and I have found they can in some situations do more harm than good. Look at the psychologists website, examine their qualifications and area of expertise to match what your issues are. The one I went to was a world away from who I had met through the NHS but it was £70 for 45 mins so couldn’t afford to keep going. Just do your homework. You would never be able to access psychologists through your GP/NHS and you can keep seeing them for a lot longer which can be helpful.

I would go for private if I could. I got 16 sessions of therapy by NHS psychiatrist who is also psychologist. It was very good but 16 sessions was not enough. I also had to wait one year therapy to start from the referral. I was let wait six months until I was contacted by the psychologist. I had two "interview" sessions after which the psychologist decided if therapy is useful and if I get it.

I am interested in having psychoanalytical therapy but NHS doesn't provide it. If someone would pay me private I would start straight away :)

On the Mind website I think there’s a tool for finding accredited therapists according to what type of therapy you need.
Seize the chance yes!

I had private therapy she did more harm than good, I’m currently sat as an inpt in a private psych ward. If you can afford it go for it but I’d agree with psychologist over counsellor