No idea where to start

[MotherOfOlafs]

I’ve always felt the odd one out, I think it’s probably time to start some sort of ball rolling? Do I start by speaking to my GP? A counsellor or psychiatrist? I’m able to go private but I have no idea where to start or who to have an initial conservation with? Sorry if this is all very vague.

In may last year I was in your position, I had to go through nhs. Gp gave me a questionnaire, then referred me to https://psychiatry-uk.com. (they also do private). Last month I got my diagnosis. It wasn't as bad as I'd anticipated, the psychologist and nurse I saw (over zoom) were really lovely. I could choose who I had my appointment with, and when I had my appointment. I was able to choose a female psychologist. They told me the results on the day. I'd definitely recommend. When you look for an assessment you need someone who is acknowledged by the nhs as otherwise the nhs may refuse to acknowledge the diagnosis.

Thank you so much for your help!

I spoke briefly to my GP (who I was also seeing for a more ‘medical’ issue) and he said that in their practice they get the a mental health nurse to do referrals, so got me an appointment with him. He had more time for me than a GP would have, asked me lots, sent me home with lots of forms to fill in and hand into front desk when complete, and subsequently he did the referral. That’s as far as I have got so far, as there is a long wait here till anything happens with the request for assessment. I think it depends both on area and practice who actually gathers the information for a referral, but I would talk to anyone within your GP practice that you feel comfortable asking and then you can find out the process locally.