How much counselling is available through the NHS?

euronorris

Hi All,

I have a query that I'm hoping some of you could help me with?

How much counselling is available through the NHS? Is it limited? If so, do you know the limit? Does it vary from area to area (as with so many other things in the NHS)?

I'm just trying to find out how much help is available for someone close.

Thank you.

Euro

andrealm

It probably varies, but I had six sessions with a counsellor at my doctor's surgery, after that I think they said I could ask for more if I wanted.

euronorris

Thank you andrealm.

Did they mention anything about you having to pay for further sessions?

Jojo_the_Tightfisted

6 to 12 hours, depending on the person, the approach and their diagnosis. Once funding used up, I think the assumption is that the person finds someone privately if they wish to continue.

mummyplus3

I orginally got 6 hours a few years back, will soon be getting either 6-12 hours again dependant on funding and after that probably some more but who knows I think it really depends on how much they need IYSWIM as although its a pain there is quite a few different services that offer counselling so you tend to use one entitlement and then be passed to another.

andrealm

euronorris wrote: »

Thank you andrealm.

Did they mention anything about you having to pay for further sessions?

No, I think I could have had some more on the NHS, not sure what the limit would have been as six was enough for me, as I didn't ask for more.

euronorris

Thank you very much everyone.

ali-t

In my area it was 6 when GPs had counsellors linked to them. Now the GPs refer to a voluntary sector agency who have a service level agreement with the NHS to provide a particular amount of hours. If you need counselling yourself or for someone you know it might be worth looking for vol orgs who provide counselling.

xoxo_2

I was given 12 hours 1:1. At the end I have 6 hours over the phone.

I was told if I need more I have to go back to my GP and be referred again.

claire1234

hiya,

doesnt look like there is much in my area,

my OH went to his gp to be refered for counselling in september last year, we`ve heard nothing back so far,

londonlass001

It really depends on lots of things e.g. what the problem is, where exactly you get referred to, what services are in your area etc.

If, for example, a person was referred for CBT, they may be offered between 6-24 sessions depending on the severity of the problem, the service policy etc. Where I used to work, the psychoanalytic psychotherapy service would see people for up to 1 year but that is a very specific service for people with severe mh problems.

Don't forget also that the current economic climate is also impacting on nhs mental health services meaning that there may well be longer waiting lists and a person may well be offered self help (accessing a website or reading self help books) rather than face to face therapy.

Might be worth speaking to your local Mind about free or low cost therapy services in your area.