Charlotte's scratch post

[Finally Anna]

I also pay my therapist out of my own pocket. The public health system has therapists but (surprise) the waiting time is long-ish and I guess you need a diagnose to get specialized therapy. Costs about £90 a session but I don't need frequent sessions, about one/month, so the cost is not an issue in practice.

[Stottie Girl]

Well I've been contacted regards getting the DBT treatment I need which is good. The bad news is it'll likely be end of this year start of next before I can start. So I've got to continue as I am until then.

I think I'm going to need to privately appoint my therapist when the Birmingham LGBT funded ones run out in 8 weeks.

Also working to get an ADHD diagnosis and find my area caps the right to choose funding so that will also take months. So I pay £1400+ tax plus I think about £400 National insurance to be thrown on waiting lists for my gender care and mental health care. Honestly feel totally screwed by this system. I'm just a cash cow to the government.

Charlotte

Both good and bad news there Charlotte. I know exactly how you feel. I have paid into the NHS all my life and whenever I've needed it for non emergency stuff it has let me down. Their record on Mental Health is nothing short of scandalous. Gender care is bordering on abuse and victimisation. You will eventually get what you need without cost but by god they make you wait and fight for it. Anything life threatening though and they are excellent in my view.