Non-NHS mental health care.

Keyboard Warrior · 25-11-2010, 04:21 PM

Any ideas?

Bupa probably wouldn't take me because I have an existing condition and I can't afford thousands for the Priory.

D:

random.swirls · 25-11-2010, 06:01 PM

What care are you looking for?

and also how much money do you have to spend lots medium none!!

whirlpools · 26-11-2010, 12:35 AM

Is it inpatient treatment you're looking for, or psychotherapy? If it's the latter, there's lots of private therapists around, it's just a case of finding out what sort of therapy would be best for you and finding a therapist who's registered with one of the psychotherapy associations, like British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).

Keyboard Warrior · 27-11-2010, 03:09 PM

Thanks for the info, guys.

I'm not really sure what care I'm looking for - my CMHT have pretty much given me a diagnosis and told me to get on with it, to the point of telling my support worker to leave me to kill myself if that's what I want. I've been in a relapse with my mental health for a while now, the NHS won't do anything so... private healthcare or a second-opinion service would be good. I don't know.

random.swirls · 27-11-2010, 04:16 PM

If you have BUPA give them a call you never know they may be willing to fund things and unless you ask you won't know.

As you have a diagnosis seeing a private psychiatrist in my mind would be a waste of money unless you disagree with the initial diagnosis/meds etc. I have heard the figure for this is roughly 200 pounds.

Three things to bear in mind - firstly if you see a private psychiatrist on a regular basis you are likely to be given private prescriptions unless you can figure out a way around this. Private prescriptions are much more expensive than NHS ones so do factor in this cost as well. Secondly often private psychiatrists also work in the NHS so it is worth researching this side of things. Thirdly if you disagree with the diagnosis do have a think about how you will cope with it all should the private psychiatrist agree with the initial diagnosis.

Second opinions etc. if you get on with your GP it's well worth talking to them about all of this as they may be able to re refer you and so on.

Counselling/psychotherapy/CBT can all be done privately. I live pretty much in central london and my private counsellor used to charge me 45 pounds an hour though I believe this is now 50 pounds. Some counsellors/charities offer sliding scales depending on your income.

Charities - first stop for me would be Mind though depending on your diagnosis rethink might be worth talking to.

Some of this won't apply and there may be other avenues open to you depending on your diagnosis.

Oh and inpatient care isn't generally practical and you would be looking at thousands per week.

Keyboard Warrior · 27-11-2010, 05:05 PM

Thanks for all that info Cam.

Sorry I can't give a proper reply now, I guess I need to think about what my next move is!

sajhfuahuefghaeg · 27-11-2010, 11:36 PM

£220 for an hour for assessment, was my private Chels.

Otherwise, I am in the same boat as you. Love. x

14MillionMiles · 28-11-2010, 12:44 AM

I have cigna insurance, and they would only conver a pre-arranged amount of appointments. The psych I saw was £350 a session... :s

Keep trying with the CMHT, mine has been USELESS and my GP has been really helpful in giving them a kick up the proverbial. Go and see your gp if you can/ if they're understanding.

Sorry, am a bit all over the shop, but feel free to pm me if u need anything