How long does it take to see a psychiatrist on the NHS?

The time it takes to see a psychiatrist on the NHS varies depending on the area you live in and how urgent your situation is. Sometimes seeing a psychiatrist can take months through the CMHT (Community Mental Health Team).

The quickest way to see a psychiatrist on the NHS is to be referred by your GP. Urgent referrals are likely to be seen by the crisis teams or emergency services within a few days.

Routine referrals to community mental health teams and psychiatry can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months.

ADHD and Autism can take months and years to diagnose for adults, and for children, it can also take weeks to months.

What does an NHS psychiatrist do?

Psychiatrists can diagnose you and prescribe medication if they think it will help.

A psychiatrist usually assesses symptoms through interviews, questionnaires, and a review of your current medical history.

• • Depression
  • Generalised Anxiety Disorder
  • Bipolar Disorder
  • Schizophrenia
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
  • Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

• Prescribe and monitor medications when appropriate.
• Assess risks, such as self-harm, suicide risk, or severe deterioration in mental health.
• Provide some forms of therapy, although many psychiatrists focus mainly on assessment and medication management.
• Coordinate care with GPs, psychologists, therapists, nurses, and social services.

How Psychiatrists differ from Psychologists and counselllors

Counsellor

Counselling training (varies by qualification and specialization)

Usually no formal medical diagnosis

No

Providing a supportive space to explore feelings, relationships, life events, and coping strategies

Psychiatrist

Medical doctor with specialist psychiatric training

Yes

Yes

Assessment, diagnosis, medication, and management of complex mental health conditions

Psychologist

Degree and postgraduate training in psychology

Often assesses and formulates mental health difficulties; some specialist psychologists perform formal diagnostic assessments

No (in the UK)

Psychological assessment, therapy, understanding thoughts, emotions, and behaviour

What to expect at the first appointment?

A first appointment often lasts 30–90 minutes. The psychiatrist will ask about your symptoms, the time in which they have been present, your physical health, medications you are taking, family history, work, relationships, and daily life, as well as any previous mental health treatment.

The goal is to understand what’s causing your difficulties and agree on a treatment plan. That might include medication, talking therapy, lifestyle changes, further assessments, or referral to another specialist service.

 

I have an appointment with the CMHT after fighting for the correct mental health diagnosis and treatments.

At the end of last year, the community mental health team decided to release me without a proper diagnosis and treatments.

My GP then told me that I had a diagnosis of Adjustment Disorder which is a stress-related illness that should last no longer than six months.

I had 11 sessions of CAT Therapy where I had to draw a map associated with my highs and lows, and after a few sessions, I completed the map, and my therapist (also the mental health nurse) told me that I was making progress and should be released soon.

I attended my local surgery and was again put through to Outlook Southwest (who deals with milder depression and anxiety).

After a phone interview with them last December, I never heard anything from them until May, when I received a letter through the post, telling me that I was being taken off their list because they had attempted to get hold of me by telephone and had not been able to get through.

However, I checked all phone and answer machines, and they hadn’t attempted to ring me, and if they did, why didn’t they leave a message or ask my GP to contact them.

I went to see my GP a few weeks ago, and she spoke to Outlook Southwest over the phone.

They told her that I don’t fit into their category and that they don’t get paid enough to deal with someone with my problems and they also said that I couldn’t go back on the mental health team because I had previously been on the team.

Despite the mental health nurse telling me that if I ever got bad again that I could always go back on the team.

Last time I was on the team, I was depressed and suicidal; however, this time is different; I don’t feel depressed or suicidal.

I want to fly, and I have continuous racing thoughts and irritation running through my head. I live every day like it’s my last and I’m spending money faster than speaking the words.

If I touch alcohol, I can’t just have one drink; I always have this urge for more.

It’s like I’m chasing the dragon and waiting to play with the fire from the dragon’s mouth.

I do not see my actions, but it’s my parents that feel I’ve not yet recovered.

Let me know if you or someone you know has ever had similar thoughts in the comments below; you can remain anonymous if you want.

Are you fighting for a correct mental health diagnossis and treatments off the mental health team in your area?

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