Going private for CBT. Any advice?

[Quirky]

Good luck with whatever you decide Nicola.
I was referred for CBT twice and turned down twice, my gp was amazed how bad you need to be to get help. So I had eight private sessions two years ago and they helped enormously, even within a few sessions. In my area the price ranges from £90 - £140 per session which is quite expensive. Thankfully I was working full time in a really well paid job but now I'm part time it's not as easy. I was fine for a year after the CBT. Recently a few things have got on top of me and I'm not dealing with my thoughts as well.
I'm hoping to go back and have a few more sessions. My therapist was great as she has also suffered panic and anxiety herself in the past.
My ME specialist did finally get me onto a CBT waiting list of two years, but as I still have a year to wait at least I'm going to go private again probably. I have private medical insurance but it doesn't cover any therapy.

[henri]

Hey Nic,
As you know, I had CBT and it really worked for me. I was so freaked out when my panic started that it didn't even occur to me to see a GP (!!) or go on a waiting list - a friend of mine is a psychologist and she referred me to a therapist who worked in a hospital nearby. I had an appointment within a week, but it cost me £80 per session. Ridiculously expensive, i know, but I couldn't bear to wait.
Sorry i can't be more helpful!
Henri x

[nomorepanic]

Thanksa for the input RH, LJ and Henri

I think I will sit down this weekend with some light reading - the booklet we got from Bupa and see what all the get-out clauses etc are.

We shall see ...

Nicola

"Nearly all happiness comes into our lives through doors we don't even remember leaving open"

[nomorepanic]

Update for you all.

I went to see GP last night and he agreed that CBT was the way forward for me.

He does have a counsellor that has CBT training but she is not taking on any new patients so he said it could be 6 months before I got in (I thought was quite good considering how long some of you had to wait).

Anyway I mentioned private and he said he was happy to refer me if they would take me on.

I called them this evening and after going through a few details etc they went away and came back and said I could only have it if it was a real phobia and restricting my life.

I pointed out that I had to drive every day so yes it was a big problem.

The next step is to get a claim form completed by doc and then we shall see.

If not then I think I will just pay to go private anyway.

Will let you know what happens when I get things moving etc.

Nicola

"Nearly all happiness comes into our lives through doors we don't even remember leaving open"

[Karen]

Good that there is a chance you might be covered by the insurance Nic.

I hope it works out for you.

Karen



It is not easy to find happiness in ourselves, and it is not possible to find it elsewhere.

[nomorepanic]

Had some good news in a letter today - I have been given the go-ahead to get the CBT treatment on the private health care plan.

Now I just need to find out who I can see etc and then book the appointments.

I am well pleased!

Nicola

"Nearly all happiness comes into our lives through doors we don't even remember leaving open"

[tattybear]

YAY!!

That is brill news Nic, and its no wonder you're pleased

Tatty B xx

[Quirky]

That's great news Nic. Good luck with it.
Lisa

[Karen]

Fantastic news Nic. Hope you get to see someone soon.

Karen



It is not easy to find happiness in ourselves, and it is not possible to find it elsewhere.

[Trev]

That's fantastic news Nic. Really pleased for you.

Good luck with it.

Trev x