how long to wait for a referral appointment

[youcantlabelme]

Not sure if posting in correct bit, as could be AIBU too.

DP had some sort of panic attack/irrational thoughts scenario back in the summer and was so shit scared at what was happening, went immediately to the GP to ask for help. Was told he would refer him for some counselling or similar.

A few weeks later had a telephone assessmnet thingy and on the basis of that was told that would be about 6-8 weeks before he was seen.

since then, nowt, nada, nil...

he has been back to the GP at least six times and also has been ringing the only contact number he was ever given to chase up this appointment. Our GP only ever says he will chase it up, as does the MH contact centre.

This has been since August. Surely he should have been seen by now-or AIBU?

Luckily, DP has not had as bad an attack/thoughts since then, although has had lesser ones (and I mean weird stuff popping into his head which really shakes him up)I am so scared for him as you hear of people getting attacked/killed by people with MHI who had been crying out for help and not getting any.NOT that I think DP is in any way a danger to others, but YKWIM

I tried looking up on NHS direct about making a acomplaint about waiting times, but was only about hospital waiting times.

Any advice what to do next or do we just wait.

I think that a lengthy wait is normal. It is sad but true - lots of us seem to need the help and there is only a certain amount of funding .

Does he have a crisis team number to ring when he feels really down? They can often speed things along if you are feeling horrendous.

I had a slight breakdown in July
Was referred to local mental health team who assessed me as needing counselling (for toxic parenting -my mum)
am still waiting as some forms of therapy have very low fall off rates as most people stay on the counselling for a long time.

I turned down offers of anti d's but find times when I really think I cannot wait and I must go on them, but have abstained thus far

Givenchy- unfortunately no crisis number given.

Piffle-I thought/ hoped that AD's would be suggested initially, maybe whilst awaiting the appointment, but none were.

Funny thing was, when I went a few years ago, feeling down and fed up, I blubbed all over my GP, and the prescription was written out before I had even put my hankie away!

Ok- well it looks like maybe we have to wait a while longer then. Tis a bit though don't you think that it takes this long.

We are even considering going to a private counsellor, but how do you know if they're any good?

Ask GP forcrisis number. Or, the people who spoke to your dh over the phone. They will have one. I have spoken to them before and they were brilliant.

"We are even considering going to a private counsellor, but how do you know if they're any good"?

For panic, CBT is usually recommended, if you go to the BABCP website you can find a registered private counsellor through there. A lot of them work for the NHS part-time too.

Eurostar do you mean BACP? Not being pedantic, just wanting to make searching easier.