NHS - does it cover therapy?

Question

Does the NHS cover therapy for depression? I’ve been advised by family and friends to visit a therapist because they think it’s getting worse. I just fee down to be honest. Anyway I will stop rambling, does the NHS cover therapy? And while im asking. What is it like? Im a little apprehensive in all honesty, im not sure if im keen on someone analysing everything I say. I presume it would all be in total confidence?

Im 17, in sixth form and im not employed.

Answer 1

Your GP should be able to refer you for free counselling. However there is often a long waiting list and you may only get short term counselling. However they may be able to tell you about other counselling agencies locally who may have a sliding scale, i.e. you pay what you can afford to pay. When you go to your GP, they will ask you a series of questions to assess whether you are depressed. This will probably include questions about your sleep patterns, eating patterns, general mood etc. If your GP thinks you may be depressed they may prescribe anti -depressants, these can work for some people but are not for everybody.

Regarding confidentiality, all counsellors and therapists in the UK abide by a code of confidentiality. This means that they will keep what you say confidential, except if they feel you may be in danger of harming yourself or another person. They also have supervision on a regular basis with a more experienced counsellor / therapist, but your name and other identifying details will not be used.

Answer 2

Hi, yes the NHS does cover therapy unfortunately the wait is horrendous, in some areas of the UK the wait is as long as two years. The area I work in we have an agency for the under 25`s that is free, it may well be worth checking this out, if you look in your local yellow pages or yell.com I`m sure you will be able to find some kind of agency. Counsellors are not there to analise you, they are there to help you unlock yourself, I always describe it as we give you the key and you learn to un-lock the chest. As for confidentiality, we are all bound by this code of conduct the only time that we are able to diclose any information is if you are going to harm yourself, anybody else, or an act of terrroism.

I wish you well, in your lifes journey I`m sure in time and with a good listening ear, you will overcome the situation your in.

Ps £65.00 an hours is rather excessive, perhaps this is for the London area, normal hourly rate is between £25.00 - £35.00.

Good Luck.

Answer 3

Hi LeeJay, hope my email helps. Just to recap and fill in the points I missed. Yes - there is a waiting list of around 3-6 months depending on the urgency of your situation. Unlike some of the comments on here, I can testify that therapy helped me immensely and turned my life around, as well as me acting strongly on what I was being effectively "taught". I was, however, lucky enough to have some very good treatment, almost cutting edge in fact.

I can recommend some books for you too if youd like;

1. A Guide To Rational Living By Albert Ellis And Robert Harper
2. Reason To Change: A Rational Emotive Workbook by Windy Dryden
3. How To Make Yourself happy And Remarkably Less Disturbable by Albert Ellis
4. The Food And Mood Handbook by Amanda Geary And Mind
5. the novel Siddharthha by Herman Hesse (recomended by a good friend)
6. The NLP coach by Ian McDermott and Wendy Jago
7. Getting A Good Nights Sleep Fiona Johnston

All these are available cheaply through Amazon.co.uk

Also check out hemisync and brainsync.com and the uk distributor www.relax-uk.org (its similar to that) and grab a copy of the Alpha brinwave entrainment cds. (Basically help your mind switch off and slow down when listened to.)

solve your problem now before it effects your life too much x

Answer 4

ur school should have counsellors, yes NHS has CBT (Cognitive Behaviuoral Therapy) & ur GP can refer you.Therapy is like talking to a friend who listens to you & understands & cares. (well that's a good therapist). They don't analyze or shouldn't judge you for anything if they do there's sth wrong. It's in TOTAL confidence, tell your therpaist this before you start & she/he can confirm it. It should be comfortable for you otherwise it's the wrong therapist. Also, you casn see a healer which is free (National federation of Healers). They're very kind, understanding & gentle & although it's not a talking therpay as such you can ask them questions about specific problems(depends on healer) but it'll generally help you lift the depression. It's done by laying on of hands on specific energy points on body such as stomach, head etc.For your nearest centre, please go here & type ur postcode:

http://www.nfsh.org.uk/component/option,com_wrapper/Itemid,70/

hope this helps,
with luv

Answer 5

yes the NHS does cover therapy and yes it is in confidence but you have to get your GP to send you. Some times is nice to be able to talk to some one that is not allowed to thing or say any thing bad to you

Answer 6

Your gp can refer you to a counsellor. They give you 6 sessions on nhs. After that you have to pay. Some employers will cover the cost for you

Answer 7

Yes they do cover therapy for depression & everything is in total
confidence.
you go at your own pace, you might feel shy to start with but after a few visits you will start to open up.
see your doctor & try to get seen soon.
if there is a long waiting list, there are charity run ones who you can speak to till you get appt.
i wish you well.

Answer 8

YES, as an ex nhs therapist, treatment can be extended up to a maximum of 18 months. but patient referral must first be submitted by g.p., and normal waiting period for initial assesment can be up to a six week wait, unfortunately.

Answer 9

Hello Lee Jay,

You would be really wise to get help now, because depression can be hard to shift without help. Get is sorted now babe and look forward to feeling better xx Just think you will have a captive audience that have to sit and listen to you. Not many of us get that in a life time. I really hope you get it sorted now cos you have so much to look forward to>>>>from A mum

Answer 10

The amount of people who need therapy often outstrips the resources available, the best thing is to visit your GP, who will tell you what is available in your area of the country.