Don't qualify for benefits... will I have to pay for counselling?

greyskittles

Apologies if this is the wrong section, but I wasn't sure where else to post it

I'm currently unemployed for health reasons but do not qualify for benefits (at least I don't think I do). I have an appointment for the doctor's soon, and am wondering whether if they offer me counselling, I will have to pay for it?

If so, does anyone know the approximate cost? I haven't been to the doctor's since I was a child so really don't know how these things work.

pnq06

Have you tried to make a claim for benefits? If so on what grounds were you refused?

Sugarcubed

When I was unemployed and not on benefits I was offered a leaflet to get counseling with a charity based organization, meaning that I would donate £10 and be able to get my therapy each time. You may want to ask your doctor if there is one near you.

impy78

You should not have to pay. I had counselling for 3 years whist I was employed and I did not have to pay.

This may depend on your local health authority though.

greyskittles

I've never tried to claim benefits but I have savings, so I'm just presuming that I won't qualify because of them?

Thanks for the info about the charity counselling - I will look into it!

impy78

greyskittles wrote: »

I've never tried to claim benefits but I have savings, so I'm just presuming that I won't qualify because of them?

Thanks for the info about the charity counselling - I will look into it!

I suppose it depend where you get sent, mine were just at the surgery. I have never been on benefits and my treatment was free. That was in cambridgeshire and west yorkshire.

pnq06

I think its only if your savings are over £6,000 for a single person and £12,000 for a couple that you can't claim. Maybe worth a try for what its worth unless you are certain you will be denied. Are you signed off work by your dr?

Counselling should be free to you especially if your unemployed due to health reasons.

greyskittles

The reason I thought I'd have to pay is because I overheard someone who is having CBT talking, and their therapist charges £35/session! Will see what the doctor has to say, anyway.

edit to add - I left university in March and had been in FT education until then so have never worked. My savings total more than the maximum amount so I there's no point in applying. The annoying thing is that a lot of the jobs in this area REQUIRE you to be claiming benefits to even qualify for applying... but that's another story.

wolfehouse

if it's cbt you're after there are 'living life to the full' courses for very little money about at local colleges (at least in my area) or you can do the free online course
http://www.livinglifetothefull.com/elearning/

your gp can get you free counselling on the nhs but the waiting list can be really long.

ohreally

greyskittles wrote: »

The reason I thought I'd have to pay is because I overheard someone who is having CBT talking, and their therapist charges £35/session! .

The therapst should be accredited with an orgainisation such as http://www.bacp.co.uk/. To achieve accreditation one must undergo study and exams, which cost a lot of money, then arrange to pay accreditation fees each year...this is costly and as such i would avoid practitioners who offer this service at a much cheaper rate.Always ask for evidence of recognised courses passed,who supervises them and check they have appropriate insurance....any doubt, walk away.