therapy

Hi.  I am moving to London in July, so I am not aware of the services one can receive including therapy.  A co-worker mentioned to me today that she has a friend who is a teacher that is moving somewhere outside of London in the next month for a teaching job with an American school.  However, this woman has a child who is clinically depressed.  I was wondering what kind of services the child (11 year old female) will be able (if any) to receive?  Is she able to receive services through NHS? 

My GP told me that I was entitled to 6 therapy sessions on the NHS.  The child would probably need to be referred by their GP to a therapist - unless, like at my GP, they have a licensed therapist within their own practice, in which case the parent would probably "self-refer" the child.

Of course, it might be all different for children than adults.

If you're paying contributions to the UK National Insurance you're entitled to medical treatment through the NHS. The way it works is that you have to get registered with a GP (General Practioner) in the area you live and he/she MIGHT refer you to a specialist. If you're not an imminent (sp?) danger to society or totally suicidal, it'll take quite a while to get an appointment. The waiting lists in the UK are enourmous. However (to my surprise), GP's seems to be quite the all-rounders and write prescriptions for anti-depressant (or other mental health conditions) drugs.

Here's my story ... I became depressed while in the US (had to do with the job not the country!). Before relocating, the specialist in the US put me on a drug that was available in the UK (not all are). So, when I arrived here, I went to see a GP and told him what my problem was. I was surprised that he would give me a prescription without contacting the US specialist nor referring me first to a UK specialist first.

Well, after about 6 months I went further downhill depression-wise so I discussed a possible therapy through NHS with him. That was in August 2003. In December (2003), I got an appointment with a NHS nurse for a preliminary interview and was then further referred to the actual NHS Therapy services. They sent me a questionaire in February 2004 which I duly filled out and sent back. By March 2004, I was feeling so bad that I had to stay off work sick, by the time I still hadn't heard back from NHS. When I called them in April, it turned out that the person in charge of my case had quit the job and thus my questionaire had gotten kinda "forgotten". Eventually, I had another interview with a NHS psychologist in late May 2004 (almost a year later!) and that was only to discuss what kind of therapy would be suitable for me (talk, group, analysis etc.).

Then, the whole thing was put on the back burner as I was attending a day patient therapy (covered through my employer's private medical insurance) and the psychologist thought I should get this "sorted out" first. Next time I saw her was in November 2004 (after the private therapy had finished) and it still wasn't about starting the actual therapy but to finally agree on the kind of therapy so that she could put me on a waiting list! Needless to say, it's January 2005 and I haven't had my first session yet.

Perhaps I should mention that I live in London, and experiences anywhere else in the UK might be totally different. Also, on another note, it probably depends from GP to GP. For example, a friend who I met at the day therapy centre told me that her GP increased the dosage of the anti-depressants whereas my GP totally relies on the recommendation given by the day centre therapist.

I'm sorry, I realize that my post is rather negative and again, hopefully someone else with a better experience will share it in this thread. The main thing is that you're not totally lost and basic services are available. Just be realistic and don't expect a first class treatment through NHS alone. Also, check if your prospective employer provides a private medical insurance and what it covers. I never had to use it and when it came to my illness it turned out that their services for psychological treatments were totally poor.

Last not least, you might want to check out the NHS website for general information about their services.

t.

P.S. ... just noticed another post was sent while typing this, the therapy I'm waiting for will (once I get started) take at least 1.5 to 2 years. I haven't heard of any limit regarding sessions???

Some employers also offer counseling.  My employer offers free counsiling for anything really, no questions asked....just to keep everyone sane and happy. 

Havent read all the posts so forgive me if Im repeating someone. But my son whom was 7 at the time was having trouble in school respecting his teachers. The school nurse recommended he see a psychologist. After a few appts the psychologist came to a conclusion that Jordan was borderline Asperger's. She said he need to be properly evaluated by the CAHMS unit (childrens mental health). Well Jordan is going to be ten next month and still hasnt received an appt. Terrible waiting lists here!
Best of luck

Pebbles is right.  Children's mental health is dealt with slightly differently.  First stop would be the GP who would refer you to the specialist children's team.  Or as peedal suggested, you can actually self-refer to this.  And there are long waiting lists. 

Pebbles have you gotten any letters about the appt?  That waiting time seems extraordinary.  Try asking your health visitor to follow it up. 

I called and all I hear is he's still on the list. I think actually Jordan has grown out of the phase he was going through. I think a lot of it was getting used to being away from his dadin the USA and being in an entirely different culture. But then again, I could be in denial.

No, you'd know if there was something seriously wrong.  It was probably just adjustment pains.  And be very very wary of people throwing 'borderline Aspergers' around.  It's the flavour of the month, if you know what I mean, and is quite often used by people who don't know to describe any child who doesn't fit in a round hole. 

No, you'd know if there was something seriously wrong. It was probably just adjustment pains. And be very very wary of people throwing 'borderline Aspergers' around. It's the flavour of the month, if you know what I mean, and is quite often used by people who don't know to describe any child who doesn't fit in a round hole.

Ah hah. Youre probably right Mindy. At age ten he's very well adjusted, top of his class and dare I say Teacher's Pet. I know in the USA they are quick to label a child with autism/aspergers, ADD, bi-polar, etc. Anything to thow the meds at them
My neice has been on anti depressants since she was 7. They said she has bi-polar. Total BS. She was a spoiled brat that everytime she didnt get her way she would throw a tantrum. I spent a week with her last Oct when I went to the US. She is 14 now and a totally normal, teenage girl. My sister probably drugs her up so she doesnt have to deal with her adolescence but thats an entirely different thread all toghether.