Assessment over the phone

[release-me]

I was wondering if anybody could help explain to me what to expect. I have a phone call assessment to see whether I am eligible for IAPT (increasing access to psychological therapy).

I've been told it should last 30 minutes. Apart from this, I don't really know what to expect. What sort of questions do you think I will be asked?

I'm worrying about it because I fear I won't be able to convey myself and my thoughts clearly without being face to face with someone. Someone suggested I write down things that have been issues for me recently before the phone call, which I will do.

I'm just concerned because I'm not great over the phone anyway, I clam up. I don't even know where to begin. I find it really hard to open up to someone and I just hope I can get across how I am feeling.

Any past experiences or advice would be much appreciated.

Thank you.

[Tig]

Hey,

I don't think I have ever had an assessment over the phone so I can't give much advice on what to expect sorry, although I do now have to have therapy over the phone because it's been the only way I have been able to access it!

The idea of writing things down sounds like a really good one and top of your list could be your concerns about not being able to convey what needs to be said and how you are feeling over the phone. That way at least you have said that and they will have some understanding of how difficult it is. Although I am sure they are aware this is a problem for many people and are probably used to working out a way to make you feel more comfortable.

Wishing you the best of luck,
Lottie x

[Serendipity.]

Hey,

I have had a telephone assessment for IAPT, although it was a few years ago now. I shared your concerns; I was absolutely terrified of talking on the phone and I was really scared that I wouldn't be able to get across what I needed to. It was absolutely fine, though. They are used to people being nervous and should hopefully be able to put you more at ease. The woman who did mine was lovely, and didn't mind that I found it difficult and she kept having to repeat questions!

I don't know if yours will be the same as mine was, although I'd imagine it would be similar, so I can tell you what it was like for me. As it was an initial assessment, to decide whether IAPT was suitable for me which would then have been followed up by a further assessment in person, it was pretty basic. Most of it consisted of going through those questionnaires; you know the depression, anxiety etc. ones where you rate on a scale of 0-whatever how much you've been experiencing a certain symptom, and how much it has been interfering with your life. I found that quite helpful actually as it meant they would get an idea of how things were without me having to say much! But there were also questions about what had been going on, more open questions about what I was struggling with and what I needed help with. I think writing things down is a really good idea and should help you to express the things you need to.

Good luck with it, I really hope it goes well and leads to you getting some help. Take care x

[Ballerina123]

My aunty kind of invented the phone assesment for IAPT, Well the team she manages did and my sister had a phone assessment a couple of years ago for the same thing.
The point in the phone assessment means that you will get seen a lot quicker because face to face appointments take longer to organise so it is likely you will get accesss to support so much quicker if you do the phone appointment.

It is likely you will be asked what symptoms you have and if you know why you have been referred to their service. They may tell you a little about what they offer. They are not trying to catch you out they are just making sure that the service is right for you and that you would not benifit from another kind of treatment.

[release-me]

Thank you all so much for your advice, well bear it in mind.

It's next Tues so I'll try and remember to update the thread and let you know how it went.

Thanks