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Mental health

NHS counselling/CBT/talking therapies in Hampshire??

5 replies

charliechaplin · 18/02/2008 14:43

My DH has finally agreed to go seek help for longstanding depression and went to the doctor this morning. He is not a pill person and has taken ADs in the past which did not agree with him, so he was keen to look into some sort of talking therapy/CBT/counselling.

This is a HUGE step for him, but all the doctor did was offer AD's, print off some web pages (which I could/have done for him) and say that they don't offer any of those sorts of services on the NHS.

I am truly shocked by this. What sort of mental health provision is it to offer drugs, but no alternative, except the VERY expensive private counselling out there?? So, my question to all you lovely ladies out there is, does anyone know of anything around the Basingstoke area, preferably with easy public transport access, that doesn't cost an arm or a leg. Having got this far, I don't want him to give up at the first hurdle. We can afford some, but not much.

Thanking you all for reading this! I am going to trawl through the rest of the depression topic now, particularly those relating to managing your depression without medication and by diet ? very interesting and well done to you all who are getting by this way. I know how hard it can be!

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charliechaplin · 18/02/2008 14:59

Anyone??

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Tommy · 18/02/2008 15:02

I am surprised that the GP said they didn't offer anything like that on the NHS. I think he should try for a second opinion or phone NHS Direct and ask them?

Whereabouts in Hants are you?

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Tommy · 18/02/2008 15:04

sorry - just read again and see Basingstoke.

Why don't you phone MIND? - the mental health charity - they may be able to put you in touch with someone

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Wisteria · 18/02/2008 15:05

The NHS does offer counselling but there may well be a very long waiting list.

Look on the BACP website for an accredited practitioner. Contact your local colleges that are training counsellors on post diploma courses as you may be able to get help there.

We can get free counselling from our local uni from previously trained counsellors who are doing masters/ other further ed courses and have to rack up free hours for their course accreditations.

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charliechaplin · 18/02/2008 20:10

Thanks for the replies - I did post a message earlier, but it didn't show up.

I am going to try MIND and there is a charity that offers counselling services and training for a fee (about £35 - is this average??) that I might see if he will phone. I am just worried that having screwed up the courage to take the first step, he may lose impetus.