NHS Talking Therapies (UK)

[Eternal Eyes]

Does anyone have any experience with this? I've just self referred, I'm honestly not expecting much, but local word of mouth sounds relatively positive. I've mainly referred as I'm sick of been lonely and miserable, and I failed an OD attempt a few weeks ago and I don't really want to get in that place again.

 

[ForgottenAgain]

Yes, I went through that system this year, referred myself since the crisis team didn't refer me anywhere afterwards.
After filling in the form on their website, some weeks after I received a call where they asked me a bunch of questions. I didn't even know it was from Talking Therapies, I thought it was a questionnaire because I had gone to the crisis team. I asked what it was about and the lady said it was just to know how I was doing?

Answered the questions and 2 weeks afterwards they called me again. Some more questions about how I was doing. I didn't understand the purpose of the call.
Then some more weeks later I got a letter from the NHS saying I had an appointment scheduled with a psychiatrist from the mental health team. Again, I didn't know why this happened, I had to ask the psychiatrist and she was the one that told me that someone called Mary referred me and she was from Talking Therapies. The psychiatrist thought it had been the Crisis Team that had referred me, this is the level of communication on that system.

The psychiatrist was a horrible person, I refused to take her medication and the service ended.

 

[Kit1]

My GP referred me a couple of years ago and I ended up being allocated to.the Community Mental Health Team (CMHT) and met up with a clinical psychologist for over an year. Found the sessions quite helpful, but they stopped the sessions saying that I needed specialist therapy and am now waiting to be seen by thebtraumamclinic which is a two year wait. But since the therapy stopped, mental health and physical health have spiralled badly - the system is creaking and really not designed for certain challenges.

However NHS IAPT services are mainly pretty good and I promote their services to clients, colleagues and people in and out of work and the feedback has often been extremely positive. After the assessment, a person can be offered different therapies according to their needs.

 

[Eternal Eyes]

Yes, I went through that system this year, referred myself since the crisis team didn't refer me anywhere afterwards.
After filling in the form on their website, some weeks after I received a call where they asked me a bunch of questions. I didn't even know it was from Talking Therapies, I thought it was a questionnaire because I had gone to the crisis team. I asked what it was about and the lady said it was just to know how I was doing?

Answered the questions and 2 weeks afterwards they called me again. Some more questions about how I was doing. I didn't understand the purpose of the call.
Then some more weeks later I got a letter from the NHS saying I had an appointment scheduled with a psychiatrist from the mental health team. Again, I didn't know why this happened, I had to ask the psychiatrist and she was the one that told me that someone called Mary referred me and she was from Talking Therapies. The psychiatrist thought it had been the Crisis Team that had referred me, this is the level of communication on that system.

The psychiatrist was a horrible person, I refused to take her medication and the service ended.

This sounds like my experience with CAMHS and Mind years ago. Those assessments really do get tedious, especially when you're telling them things you've told people for countless years now. Like you said, the communication is absolutely awful.

It's insane how drawn out and inefficient it all is. Did you get to speak to Talking Therapies as in a therapy session, or did they just send you to a psychiatrist and be adamant on you getting medicated? (I ask this because I've tried countless medication now and honestly, I was genuinely bedridden last summer on extra strong sertraline, and since then I've decided I won't take meds anymore). Apologies for all the questions.

Found the sessions quite helpful, but they stopped the sessions saying that I needed specialist therapy and am now waiting to be seen by thebtraumamclinic which is a two year wait. But since the therapy stopped, mental health and physical health have spiralled badly - the system is creaking and really not designed for certain challenges.

Apologies if this question is too personal, but for what reason did they decide you need specialist therapy? I'm also looking to avoid super long waiting lists or getting put in limbo (been there done that).

 

[ForgottenAgain]

This sounds like my experience with CAMHS and Mind years ago. Those assessments really do get tedious, especially when you're telling them things you've told people for countless years now. Like you said, the communication is absolutely awful.

It's insane how drawn out and inefficient it all is. Did you get to speak to Talking Therapies as in a therapy session, or did they just send you to a psychiatrist and be adamant on you getting medicated? (I ask this because I've tried countless medication now and honestly, I was genuinely bedridden last summer on extra strong sertraline, and since then I've decided I won't take meds anymore). Apologies for all the questions.

No, no therapy session for me. The whole phone calls were just them asking how I felt from 1 to 10, if I had thoughts of hurting myself or others, if I was able to take care of myself (eat, shower, etc) and them suddenly the letter to have a psychiatrist appointment.
I did tell them I was on medication and had no psychiatrist, since the Crisis Team kept saying I would get referred to the Community Mental Health team afterwards but then at the end decided that me being referred to the GP was enough. Maybe that's why TT sent me to a psychiatrist? Don't know.

 

[timetodie24]

Sorry this is bit long as I have been under them 4 times (2 different cities) when it was still called IAPT but same thing.

The waiting list for an initial assessment (usually phone call I think) is pretty quick. Then how long you wait for a therapy really depends. The 'higher intensity' therapies usually have longer wait. Most of what they offer is CBT based but some will also offer things like counselling, EMDR, interpersonal therapy. Just depends on individual service and your needs. Their therapies tend to be quite short term for a set number of weeks. All therapies they make you do weekly questionnaires before the sessions to see progress .

The first time I referred myself directly onto a self help stress control course ( without assessment) . It was a group psychoeducation course about stress, depression, anxiety. Had some useful tips but didn't do much for me.

The 2nd time I was referred for iCBT . And i started within 2 weeks of referral . This was an online self guided course on a platform callled silvercloud . Same stuff as usual cbt but do it all yourself . Other than each week a practitioner reads through what you've done and leaves a message for you that you can reply to. They also called at start and end of course (11 weeks long) Or during if any concerns (they called me when I wrote about SH). It didn't help me and they wanted to refer me to a higher intensity CBT ( where you actually talk to therapist) but the waitlist was too long and i was only in the area for summer before uni.

The 3rd Time I was offered 'guided self help' , again within a couple weeks of assessment, which was pretty useless . It was a 25-30 min weekly phone call to talk things through and they emailed me a lot of leaflets to do on my own . This wasn't helping so I was referred to a CPN ( mental health nurse) within the service who helped people with combined anxiety and depression. They did longer appts. (50 mins ish) and we just talked things through and they helped me work through some leaflets . I found that more helpful but again overall not much changed.

The 4th time they recommended me for high intensity CBT and wait would've been 6-8 months but because of my risk level they said I had to do stabilisation work with a primary care MH nurse first before I could be put on waiting list . She was useless, told me to google mindfulness . She went awol after a ctb attempt (i'd shared plan and she wanted to call welfare check, GP spoke to me and decided I was fine, then I did it that night so i guess I scared her off).
But i never ended up on cbt wait list as ended up under crisis team and cmht not long after . So not sure what their HI- cbt is like .


Overall, if you havent tried CBT and you have mild - low moderate anxiety/depression then it might be helpful for you .
I learned some stuff from it but things got worse despite it. But with more complex problems it's unlikely to be enough and they may refer you elsewhere. If you haven't had therapy before , it's a good place to start. It's probably worth a shot, at least get assessed and see what they offer, if you don't like it you don't have to accept.

 

[Kit1]

This sounds like my experience with CAMHS and Mind years ago. Those assessments really do get tedious, especially when you're telling them things you've told people for countless years now. Like you said, the communication is absolutely awful.

It's insane how drawn out and inefficient it all is. Did you get to speak to Talking Therapies as in a therapy session, or did they just send you to a psychiatrist and be adamant on you getting medicated? (I ask this because I've tried countless medication now and honestly, I was genuinely bedridden last summer on extra strong sertraline, and since then I've decided I won't take meds anymore). Apologies for all the questions.



Apologies if this question is too personal, but for what reason did they decide you need specialist therapy? I'm also looking to avoid super long waiting lists or getting put in limbo (been there done that).

I have complex PTSD with suicidal ideation - despite regular therapy sessions with the clinical psychologist on their team for over a year, they felt that I was not really progressing - though I disagreed. Unfortunately I had also stopped all mymvommunications, medication etc with my GP as they changed the rules of engagement and introduced online screening prior to any appointments they decided to make and thks was not really appropriate for me. CMHT (probably the psychiatrist) did not like this. They discharged me and referred me to the trauma clinic - not sure I will still be alive by the time they find a space for me with the trauma therapy (I am trying). There is a possibility that I might have ended my life before I get called up for therapy - but no one really cares and I don't have the financial ability yo pay for private therapy.

 

[pain6batch9]

I've been waiting for help from the NHS since 2018. I've seen eight different 'professionals' never the same one twice. To be honest, I've lost all faith in the NHS now.

 

[Eternal Eyes]

Overall, if you havent tried CBT and you have mild - low moderate anxiety/depression then it might be helpful for you .
I learned some stuff from it but things got worse despite it. But with more complex problems it's unlikely to be enough and they may refer you elsewhere. If you haven't had therapy before , it's a good place to start. It's probably worth a shot, at least get assessed and see what they offer, if you don't like it you don't have to accept.

I think the main thing I need is counselling. I don't have anyone irl I can talk to about my emotions, many of which are intense. I am even now contemplating on if I should mention my failed attempt a few weeks ago. I've had therapy before but never via the NHS at adult level (I was with CAHMS before).

 

[timetodie24]

I think the main thing I need is counselling. I don't have anyone irl I can talk to about my emotions, many of which are intense. I am even now contemplating on if I should mention my failed attempt a few weeks ago. I've had therapy before but never via the NHS at adult level (I was with CAHMS before).

May be worth a shot , nothing to lose by trying. I hope they can offer you some counselling and help you. It's worth doing asap since waiting lists can be long . I'd be as honest as you can about what's been going on for you including attempt.
I know people on here will talk about being sent to ward just for thoughts as that can be case in some countries. However, that's not going to happen under NHS. If attempt already happened and now you're wanting help, they're not going to section you.

 

[Eternal Eyes]

Well I had a call yesterday, I think it was around one hour twenty minutes when both* calls happened. I use * because one call was due to me specifically mentioning an OD, had I not mentioned it, I doubt the second call would have occurred.

I was asked a set of vague questions regarding my answers on a questionnaire I completed via email two days before. Honestly, I have so much on the mind atm that I forgot most of it. It was basically just going over formalities, who I live with, where I live, am I employed/student, any other conditions etc. No asking of mental health conditions strangely enough. Seemed very intent on getting an emergency contact from me but didn't give one, must be NHS protocol.

Anyway, around midway through the first call the tone changed, from what I gathered, I was/am going to get treatment soon. But before I get counselling. I need to go to something called Access. It was due to me mentioning how I attempted an OD within the last year and have consistently suicidal thoughts along with planning suicide.

Honestly, I mentioned it just because I needed someone to vent to about it. Maybe I shouldn't have, maybe I should. They were very vague on what Access is. Other than I need to use it to "combat" my suicidal thoughts and I can't get counselling until I do whatever the people there want me to do. Despite just wanting counselling and not a specific therapy, I didn't want to argue for two reasons. 1. Potential detainment, the last thing I need is that, and if I act defensive, I imagine they'll keep probing questions, and 2. I can't afford to be in limbo again, I really need someone irl to talk to.

A second person called for a more specific chat around my suicidal thoughts. This person seemed to have an air of authority about them, I presume they are for all intents and purposes the teams leader. They were trying to find out just how suicidal I was. They recommended a local autism charity...several miles away...and I can't drive lol.

I feel conflicted but it's early days. Apparently I'll receive a letter with more info regarding Access. I do hope I get counselling, or maybe even in Access I can talk to someone. I don't really need a magic wand fix or my life to dramatically change. I just need someone irl I can actually talk to and open with.

 

[pain6batch9]

Well I had a call yesterday, I think it was around one hour twenty minutes when both* calls happened. I use * because one call was due to me specifically mentioning an OD, had I not mentioned it, I doubt the second call would have occurred.

I was asked a set of vague questions regarding my answers on a questionnaire I completed via email two days before. Honestly, I have so much on the mind atm that I forgot most of it. It was basically just going over formalities, who I live with, where I live, am I employed/student, any other conditions etc. No asking of mental health conditions strangely enough. Seemed very intent on getting an emergency contact from me but didn't give one, must be NHS protocol.

Anyway, around midway through the first call the tone changed, from what I gathered, I was/am going to get treatment soon. But before I get counselling. I need to go to something called Access. It was due to me mentioning how I attempted an OD within the last year and have consistently suicidal thoughts along with planning suicide.

Honestly, I mentioned it just because I needed someone to vent to about it. Maybe I shouldn't have, maybe I should. They were very vague on what Access is. Other than I need to use it to "combat" my suicidal thoughts and I can't get counselling until I do whatever the people there want me to do. Despite just wanting counselling and not a specific therapy, I didn't want to argue for two reasons. 1. Potential detainment, the last thing I need is that, and if I act defensive, I imagine they'll keep probing questions, and 2. I can't afford to be in limbo again, I really need someone irl to talk to.

A second person called for a more specific chat around my suicidal thoughts. This person seemed to have an air of authority about them, I presume they are for all intents and purposes the teams leader. They were trying to find out just how suicidal I was. They recommended a local autism charity...several miles away...and I can't drive lol.

I feel conflicted but it's early days. Apparently I'll receive a letter with more info regarding Access. I do hope I get counselling, or maybe even in Access I can talk to someone. I don't really need a magic wand fix or my life to dramatically change. I just need someone irl I can actually talk to and open with.

They emailed me the other week. Asked if I was still interested in therapy after my three year wait. I said yes. They said, group sessions? I said no, I need one-to-one. They said, no we don't do that. We'll get back to you. I emailed them the next day to see if possibly they could refer me to another NHS trust out of area. I was willing to travel. They said no, sorry, you live here so you have to be under this trust.

I said thank you.

 

[Eternal Eyes]

Well it seems like the NHS tried to refer me to MIND, but because I am "too much of a risk" due to my impulsive behavior and a recent attempt I won't make the criteria (the person on the phone made some vague statement saying they wouldn't want the "load" of me). Which makes me actually question who does. It looks like I've had to wait a week to be told I'm going somewhere else...again, should note I was with Mind before in 2018, I think I had three CBT sessions before the therapist gave up on me lol. I was also told of this phone appointment less than 24 hours prior which is super helpful (sarcasm) and the phonecall was late (said any time from 10am to 11am, phone call happened around 11:20).

. I'm still awaiting a letter from the NHS actually telling me what "Access" is. Haven't seen an actual human yet might I add! I'm going to keep posting in this thread, if anything, it'll shift the blame from this website when people actually see just how abysmal mental health care in the UK is...ah who am I kidding, if they (mainstream media) actually cared people wouldn't be in this mess in the first place.