Is it possible to see a counselor/therapist for free?

[novembernamechanger]

I am a regular but have dug up an old posting name for this.

I think I would benefit from some sessions with a counselor/therapist (is there a difference between the 2?) but not able to pay much. Is it possible to get it for free/on the nhs? If I were to ask to be refered by my GP, would my reasons be put on my medical notes?

TIA any advice/suggestions.

sorry, dunno why I called you that... you know who I mean. I cant remember how to spell your nickname by the time I scroll to write the post. sorry

it's alright quootie....sorry to jump on you...but there are so many generally held misconceptions that it's quite depressing!

i hear you. but believe me there are crap counsellors everywhere! and good ones too.

its ok

yes, we nearly had to close earlier this year - we're part funded by the PCT , who decided that we were too expensive! PMSL - the counsellors are all dedicated volunteers and the service costs something paltry like £10,000 a year to run! Thankfully, so many people stepped forward to shout at the PCT that they decided at the 11th hour to change their mind.(We take referrals from everyone from self-referring to CMHT, alcohol and drug agencies, Women's Aid, GPs)
of Course, we have a waiting list as long as the Nile

sophabeszabo - I am in awe of you; I'm the project administrator and I know how hard it is (mentally and materialistically) to train in counselling! I know I could not do it. Good luck to you.

Novemberchanger - there may be a waiting list for gp counselling and you will only be allowed 6-8 sessions. good luck to you, hun.

Thank you so much for all the advice

I did get in touch with a therapist who offered discounted sessions at £25 per hour, due to me being a single parent, which seems really good, but I still wouldn't be able to afford that on a regular basis. I do work full time though so not sure about what free help I'd be entitled to.

I'm still confused about where to go from here. I really don't want to reveal any details that might link me to my usual name, and therefore to me in rl. I can't CAT but I have just set up this email address [email protected]

I've found a phone number for my local CVS, but no email address. Do I just phone and ask if they have any volunteer counsellors/therapists? Will they ask me why I want to see one? Email would be so much easier. I don't know why I can't be a bit more proactive about this, just feel like falling apart at the thought of actually 'speaking' to anyone.

No, November, they won't want to know any personal details. THE CVS is a charity which 'manages' other charities. Ours produces local info booklets called 'Where to Turn' which covers every charity and volunteer organisation in the district. So the CVS is an invaluable source of local knowledge. They will just signpost to you (hopefully) a suitable organisation which can help.
It's worth knowing as well, that if you have a spceific area of your life which is the 'cause' of you seeking counselling (Like domestic abuse, childhood abuse, eating disorder, miscarriage/breavement etc) that some indivividual organisations offer counselling at little or no-cost depending on your circumstances. I can't promise to help, but if you want to CAT me, I might be able to do a little research for you? Obviously, anything you email me would just be between me and you....

Thank you for the reply. Would you mind emailing at [email protected] ? I can't CAT, think you have to pay or subscribe or something. (Someone tell me if I've got that wrong)

I've just realised that there is poster on mumsnet called jellyjelly. I just wanted to say that it's not me! That would be a bit obvious wouldn't it? Oh dear!

.

WatTylermoonfiend and sophabeszabo, I really appreciate your help. If you can email me I can tell you what area I'm in

Have emailed you m'dear!

Thank you , I have replied

Just to say that certainly as a medical secretary I have known GPs to be able to remove all or nearly all mention of a referral to counselling/mental health services. They can record that you were seen in the surgery, with no additional info, and then can just put 'referred to further care' or similar. Most GPs will want to put something about anxiety or low mood, if that would be OK. If one won't refer you without more info, maybe try another?

For the insurance forms, it's quite common to put something like 'Single episode of anxiety. Referred to counsellor. Resolved without medication.' Believe me, I can think of few insurance forms where something like that doesn't appear, it's so common.

I hope you find somebody who can help you.

Just bumping for sophabeszabo.

Thanks for that info acnebride

nov have emailed you

Bump

November! I was just thinking about you! So sorry not to have been in touch, we've been away. Still trying to find somewhere for you to go, but I'm going round in circles tbh. Nil desperandum though, I ain't given up yet