CBT on the NHS

[arcadia96]

Any experiences, good or bad?
I'm thinking of asking the GP to refer me (wish I'd got the referral months ago but the wait seemed too long - think it's around three months).
Does anyone know if GPs are able to prioritise cases, or does everyone wait the same time regardless?
I could try going private but it's a lot of money, and I don't know how to select one and haven't had any personal recommendations.
Thanks.

I got a referal to the mental health team and then didnt have to wait long. Have been put on a course of 20 weeks group CBT can't say it's all that great, although I know others here have had better experiences.
Yes I think GPs can prioritise but I expect it's also down to where you live and what funding is available in your area for these types of things.
Going private would probably mean you could heve 121 therapy instead of in a group.

Hi

I got referred to CBT from Gp started with group within 2 weeks then 121 sessions 4 months later. I swear by it now and have been med free for over a year. I worked with someone who went to the priory and she complained that seeing the support I got free hers was pitiful considering the money she pays. There will always be good and bad stories, as topsi says unfortunatley it does seem like a postcode lottery and depending on why you need the CBT determines the support you get. I would try the NHS first and see how it goes and then look at private. There are also some really good CBT books available one that I was recommended was CBT for Dummies alot of the worksheets/exercises are the same as what the Groups and 121 sessions do. On a personal note my Group sessions where invaluable not so much in the CBT sense but 4 years on we still meet up, fingers crossed for you x x x

Have just searched for CBT on the net and have come accross somethig called 'Beating the Blues'. It is a computerised version of CBT and should be available to you on the NHS or to buy privately. Seems to be the next big thing in therapy!

i'm doing that course topsi, on the nhs. have hd 3 sessions so far...its good, really easy to work through, but tbh, i'm not sure its working for me. will persevere for a bit though.....

i was referred in oct, and got my appt in march this year.

Hi, when I worked as an assistant psychologist, the clinical psychologist and I used the Overcoming books - there's overcoming depression, overcoming anxiety - loads. They use CBT techniques and are generally, really good. We photocopied chapters and worksheets to give to clients and worked through them in 1:1 sessions.

what does it involve chimchar??

i go to a local library, in a private room.

you sit at an individual pc. you wear headphones, and work through at your own pace. each session talks you through an idea..you listen to the expanation, watch a few different clips of individuals demonstrationg how they use it to work for them, then type down a basic idea that you want to follow for yourself.

each session lasts about 50 mins. there is a cpn in the room to refer to if you need to.

you get print outs to take home, and most of the work is to be done by yourself throughout the week. this is where i'm falling down.

its good, but tbh, i think depends on why you need cbt.