Private GP for mental health

[EmmaEmerald]

Has anyone got experience of seeing a private GP for depression and anxiety?

I don't feel like my GP has time plus my situation is quite complicated - I moved but haven't changed doctor yet and will possibly move back.

So it's a trek for me to see my GP in person but they have a habit of ordering pointless blood tests which have led to some awful situations (long story).

So if I see a private GP where I am, I'm wondering what the deal is, are they more likely to focus on relevant things? Are they likely to be reluctant to adjust or change treatment given by an NHS GP?

Thanks in advance for any help.

My DM did and really benefitted.

I did. It was easier to get an appointment and I wanted to spent a bit longer with someone working out what to do. In the end, they signed me off work and referred me to a psychiatrist who diagnosed me and prescribed medication but I saw the private GP a few times as follow ups. The flexibility was the main benefit for me although I now mainly just see my psychiatrist instead.

I have used private GPs and NHS GPs.

Private GPs will have a lot more time to talk to you about problems (sessions are usually 20 - 30 mins).

In terms of focusing on relevant things, I don’t think just because you see a private GP you will get a better medical diagnosis/less tests (my experience is private GP will often order more tests, because they aren’t constrained by NHS budgets. Not saying they overtest but just that often an NHS GP may have to do test 1 first wait result and then test 2. Private GP can order both).

In terms of changing treatments, they would likely do with caution and will likely want to contact your NHS GP.

Have you thought about seeing a private psychiatrist instead of a GP? This may be a better option give your situation. Your NHS GP will likely give you a referral (you can probably ring up/email for a referral). A psychiatrist will have far more experience in MH and they definitely will alter treatments (if needed) and your NHS GP will follow their advice on treatment going forward.

If your willing and able to go private then you’d probably get a lot more out of a private psychiatrist if its all around your mental health needs. I did this approx 2.5 years ago and it was £220 for 45/50 mins and they wrote to my gp with outcome and recommendations.

I see a private GP though my employer and she referred me to a private psychiatrist Dr Alex Langford at Cognacity. I had a 1 hour Zoom with him (and since then a 30 min follow-up). He's been amazing!I can't recommend him highly enough. So glad I went down this route. I have severe anxiety and severe depression (part of ongoing long Covid issues) but I'm making great progress now (it's been 5 weeks since I had my initial session).

https://www.cognacity.co.uk/

Thanks everyoneI was also concerned about pointless tests being ordered privately, I don't want to pay a private consultation fee and find they are focusing on odd stuff, or that they are worried about contradicting an NHS GP.

I will see if a referral to a private psych can be done but wonder how to access more immediate and relevant help.

@HundredMilesAnHour did he concentrate on medication or suggesting things like cbt ?

He referred me to a psychologist (who is also really good) Gary Bloom who I see weekly and he suggested medication but I wanted to wait (he agreed with my reasons). At my follow-up, I decided I did want to start medication so we discussed various ones and agreed to start on Prozac. It arrived by courier that evening! (and only cost £9 total). I've had no real side effects (just a dry mouth) and within less than a week, I felt much more positive. I've been amazed at how quickly it kicked in as other meds I've taken in the past have taken a couple of months. It's been the most positive experience so far. Compared to my NHS GP where I'd still be trying to get an appt and then be on a very long waiting list.

If you want to see a private psychiatrist, you don't even need a referral usually. You can just make an appointment if you're happy to self-pay. If that's what you want, you can easily cut out the middleman

Life changing for DD. She has a real bond with him and they have built up trust. He combines regular treatment (anti depressants) with vitamin supplements and dietary changes. She’s a different child and we feel very supported and that she has had very individual support

What age is your daughter? It’s just you describe her as a child and (in the uk) only a child and adolescent psychiatrist should prescribe antidepressants to under 18.

Thanks, I'll look into that.

Thank you @HundredMilesAnHour - glad you are getting good help

Just to update, I did have a proper consultation with my NHS GP today.
They have the appointment system so confusing it's amazing! Anyway, I hopefully don't have to fork out to see anyone else.

*made