Having been referred by an nhs consultant to MIND, had a screening meeting face to face, told I’d be notified of the outcome within a week, it is now three weeks since the meeting and I haven’t heard whether or not MIND will see me! I’m overwhelmed by the confidence I have in them and wonder if anyone has had experience of this outfit?
I’ve heard the nhs is poor with regards mental health services but this charity offers promises it doesn’t keep! Hope I’m the only one to have this experience…
Thanks Chris. I am not really surprised, just disappointed that I should have gone through MIND’s screening (out) exercise, asked how long for a decision and then left hanging… I won’t be holding my breath for an appointment anytime soon, thats for sure!
Really don’t know. This overdue communication is not for an appointment but to say whether or not they would see me at some point. Ironically it would be for anxiety (pardon me if I’m overeacting!). Not a new thing, had it for close to 20 years. As I mentioned in another post, I have respect for my new consultant neuropsychiatrist but not so much for this SE London charity’s outpost. I would hate to think any nhs money is going to them.
The false hope of some helpful interactions is worse than not seeing them at all.
After sharing my information with them, I’ll be feeling conned if they tell me I’m unsuitable, especially after the esteemed consultant’s referral.
I’ve had dealings with mind before, if I was you I would contact them again things can get overlooked it’s always best to keep reminding them of your situation. Hope this helps.
I was referred by consultant in july, was seen by a clerk/phone screener July 22. Response to tell if I was suitable for services due in a week. Called in for another assessment last week. Told they will let me know in a couple of weeks. I’m guessing I might get a real therapy session, perhaps in November!? Not holding my breath!
It seems that you need to start any request for services long before you need them!
Agreed. I’ve resisted any self-referral, but when I finally was referred, I would like to have felt I would know the timeline. Waiting and not being in control is far worse than living with anxiety for twenty years!!!
The consultant has also put my name down for specialist NHS services but she said the wait for that was much longer.
So when people recommend counseling, or therapy, instead you might want to adopt a dog and talk it: much faster, and mine’s a good listener too!
Some positive news to share!! Since my referral to Mind at the end of June and TWO intake assessments, I heard today that that I have been accepted and assigned a caseworker!!! Possibly a first session this year??
My anxiety level has decreased to what it was before I was referred!
The take away message from my experience is to apply before you need any help and don’t hold your breath. Otherwise I guess you have to seek private help.
At last! I have began looking at private doctors for my brother as well as therapists as I frankly do not want to rely upon the free healthcare system anymore. Does anyone have any recommendations? Keep us updated and good luck.