What do I have to do to get an NHS referral to see a psychologist?

Hi

so sorry you’re not getting the support you need. Macmillan do some mental health referrals, if you ring the main number they will be able to get you referred. 

Many years ago I had one to one counselling via my GP which worked brilliantly, but once it went down the self referral route and I was offered group sessions in managing anxiety, it was no use. At that point my anxiety was about my daughter’s severe medical condition, so in my mind it was something that was real and dangerous, not something that wasn’t serious. I have now been on anti anxiety meds for a number of years and it does help me. 

Rachel

Hi,

My breast cancer nurse referred me to a psychologist at the hospital when I was first diagnosed but there was a couple of months wait time. I am now due to start radiotherapy so requested to talk to them once treatment finished.

might be worth a try x

So sorry to read this. My BCN talked about a psychology referral at the point when my initially upbeat diagnosis turned out to get more gloomy with every new test. She said the wait was six to eight weeks and I ended up doing a lot of chasing because it was more like 4 months. I’m having it via the hospital trust where I had diagnosis and surgery. Have to go to a different trust for chemo and radiotherapy and apparently it is available there too. However there’s a Maggie’s Centre at the chemo / radiotherapy hospital and I ended up in there weeping over a lovely woman. She did say they can organise a call from their psychologist if you are very low. 

Is it possible your hospital as opposed to GP is a route in? X

I have had time today to get in contact with ladies that are getting treatment at same hospital I am and they have advised me the same, to reach to oncology team for support, so tomorrow that's my top priority. ️

Hi fighter

I just wanted to ask if you had a maggies centre connected to your hospital? I've found speaking to them has been really helpful and I've gone in a couple of times when things have gotten too much. They also have onsite psychologists and I've been asked if I wanted to be referred to them. I think the waiting time to see a maggies psychologist is shorter. If you don't have one near you you can still contact them.

They've helped me change my BC nurse when I needed to (in fact thru did it for me), helped decide the best surgery to have and also what to do about the fact my flat was on the market. So they really are supportive of anything that's going on in your life.

I hope you get the support you need and deserve soon.

Take care

Lizzy x