Is it possible to ask for a therapist on the NHS if I go to my GP?

Answer 1

Yes, if your GP considers that you have a clinical need he will refer you for free treatment;

Answer 2

Hello,

If you have been suffering from some form of mental health problems or have had some formal diagnosis of a mental health problem in the past, such as depression or anxiety.

Then of course its quite acceptible to go and talk to your GP or family doctor about being seen by a therapist on the NHS. However I think what you will find though is that there is a long waiting list unless you are exceptionally luck (its back to the NHS postcode lottery when it comes to these kinds of services). But I think its fair to say that NHS therapists are in rather high demand and short on supply hence the waiting lists.

**Please do try your GP, please dont let my jaundiced view of the NHS put you off trying though. You might be lucky but you wont know unless you try of course.

**I come from a medical background & my father was a GP for many years and I'd point out to you that sadly mental health services have always been treated as a cinderalla service (i.e. not glamourous & very unsexy) and things are especialy poor at the moment as the NHS is going through yet another peroid of chaos as politicians mess around with it all over again. This must be about the fifith or sixth re-organisation of the NHS I can remember in the last 10yrs.

IR

Answer 3

Yes of course. I hope this doesn't depend on postcode. I went to my GP and he wrote straight away to the nearest mental health centre where I saw 2 therapists and a psychiatrist. This is in West Sussex.

Answer 4

If there's a medical need, you can get a therapist on the NHS, but you may have a long wait. If the doctor thinks it's a social need (you're unhappy rather than ill) you'll need to get private treatment.

Answer 5

Depends on the therapy you want but yes you can. There is usually a huge waiting list and even when you get to the end of it it is entirely up to the therapist as to whether or not they feel you are right for their therapy type.

Answer 6

Yes some GPs even have a clinic at the surgery depends on where you live

Answer 7

Yes, but there is usually a long waiting time and it will depend on your need. It might be better for you to go private.

Answer 8

Yes but you won't get one. Theres a waiting list a mile long.

Answer 9

yes but the waiting list is long and for group therapy but it is well worth it, i got it and it made alot of difference to me.

Answer 10

depends what the problem is! there is a lot of things the doctor can sort anger, psychiatric,try it won't hurt to give it as try