Depressed teen, how to find counsellor

[Gettingthereslowly1]

Can anyone help, we are desperate.
DS said he feels depressed and wanted to go to the Dr. We went yesterday and they have given us contact details for 2 different counselling services that we had to refer ourselves to, but the waiting lists are approx 8 weeks. Poor DS feeling even worse understandably - after being brave enough to speak up Dr only spoke to him for a few minutes.
DS is 16 and about to start GCSE’s in approx 8 weeks so we really want to give him the help he is looking for.
The Dr said that we could look for a private counsellor but had to do it ourselves - however he advised that we should look for a clinical psychologist with university qualifications who works with teens, rather than any old ‘psychologist’ - apparently there is no regulation and anyone can set themselves up as one.
Does anyone have any advice / experience of finding anyone in the Lincolnshire / Nottinghamshire/ Leicestershire area?
We think there is a certain element of phone/computer game addiction so an addiction counsellor may be another route.
It’s impossible - really upset there isn’t more help on offer - we are nervous that he could do something really serious. Found that he had been googling antidepressants on his phone - he said he had just wanted to get a tablet from the Dr. Can’t rule out the possibility that he may go looking for something himself unless he gets to talk to a professional about it soon.
Please help if you have any advice

If you have found a counsellor in another area would also be grateful for information on how you found them

The BACP website is a good start. You could also try your local university student counselling service and see if one of them see people privately (I have done this). Have a chat, meet them and decide if they’re right. Good luck and well done, it’s great that you’re dealing with it.

I asked the pastoral coordinator at church if she knew anyone and she did. You don’t need to be a church goer to contact your local church for advice. If she hadn’t known anyone, I would have asked the school if they did. Find out whether any of your local CAHMS staff work privately.

I agree with the BACP recommendation, too.

Good lucks. Mine is also 16 and about to take exams - worrying times xx

Definitely use the BACP website, any counsellors on there have to be registered with them. I found a brilliant counsellor through then.

I would also go back to the GP, but another doctor, to see if they can help any further help. Some GPs are very dismissive whereas others are brilliant, maybe ask at reception if anyone deals specialises in mental health.

Your DS sounds absolutely amazing for not only recognising his depression but also starting steps to treat it. You’re a brilliant Mum for supporting him as well. Good luck and keep pushing for help

So sorry for the delay in responding. I am so grateful for your advice. We have contacted a few people via the BACP website and also the website ‘UK Counselling and Psycotherapy’ website. I went back to another doctor and they advised that people on these 2 websites have to be properly qualified - sharing this info in case anyone ends up in this same situation and is trying to find help like me.
autumnboys, feel for you during this GCSE period - I really hope things improve for you all.
Thank you again everyone - you are wonderful

Sorry, I should have mentioned that myself, it’s precisely why I recommend them. Anyone can set up and call themselves a counsellor in the U.K.,it’s not regulated. Therefore it’s vital to find an accredited person. Glad you’re getting sorted.