Can anyone tell me how much a private psychologist costs?

Mental health
1

I recently saw my GP as I have not been sleeping well and it has got to a point where it is seriously affecting my life. My GP recommended that I see a psychologist, however the waiting list is over a year!!! and there is no way I can wait that long. I am thinking of trying to go private but I am worried about the cost or how to go about it. I just need to go soon otherwise I fear something serious may happen and I am starting to go crazy just thinking about it.

Has anyone gone private and how much was it? Did it help? What do they do? How long does it take? Thanks

2

Hi,

I have just made enquiries regarding this,I have been quoted £380 for 50 mins. appointment but as explained will not get anywhere with 1 appointment so then how many follow ups.

I thnk we are the poor relations in the NHS if you had a broken arm you would not wait a year for it to be plastered.

 

3

Hi Doug

THe lowest I have paid is £45.00 and £50.00 respectively  but it can cost more,  IN my view the sooner you get help the better even if it costs, your health is more than important than money or anything else.  Waitin gfor aover a year is ridiculous what do they expect you to do wait around forever, sorry but that's scandalous for someone needing help. Yes it does help but I went as I felt ill supporting my deressed husband who has now left us and won't seek help for himself!  They listen to you and will give you the coping strategies you need, I gues sit takes as long as you need to get yourself better.  If you feel so bad please I urge you not to delay gettin ghelp my husabdn went from mild derpession to full blown clinical/major depression. I've had MH issues myself panic attacks and agoraphobia, joinging a group helped me too I felt I was not alone and fel less scared.  Take care and Good Luck.

4

Sorry meant to reply to ADK!  £45.00 to £50.00 is for a 50 minute session.

5

jackie,

may I ask where you are in the U.K because that is very reasonable, I have rang 3 private all the same price.

thanks

Joan

 

6

Thanks both. Yes £45-50 is very reasonable. I did find some counsellors that quoted this price but my doctor has specified a psychiatrist or psychologist would be a lot better. Do prices also vary on location? I am based in the midlands?

7

Joan do you know whether psychologist and psychiatrists therapy prices are both the same. I have been looking into the differences and there seems a lot of cross over. Maybe I will ask my doctor to confirm.

8

Hi Joan

I'm in Lancashire North West.

Jackie

9

Hi,

my quote was for a psychiatrist,don't know if prices are the same for both.

Have you got a private hospital near you that's who I rang 3 different ones.

Joan

10

Thanks Jackie

must be cheaper up north I am in Essex.

Joan xx

 

11

I think a psychiatrist may be a lot more expensive, my son's down in Essex it's lovely down there.  Jackie x

12

I don't know how do I find out? Who did you try?

13

It does seem if you haven't got money you have to wait and it's very worrying,I wanted help  because of insomnia brought on by major problems that anyone panicks about. There is a lot of awful depression going on this country. I was told waiting lists are high, voluntary work etc, I desperately need a paid job but I'm afraid that because of so many people wanting work and having applications that are equally as good, it can take a long time. I felt inferior even though they were pleasant but NHS are so pushed that this is how it is. Like people say, the longer we wait, the less likely people are in any state to work.

14

It depends upon where you live - or where you would be prepared to travel to - and the standard of psychology you want (some very good psychologists can have very high charges). More than the cost I would be seeking the best, or better, psychologist in order to get the best (and quickest) result.

Expect to pay at least £100 per visit. Ask for their charging details - a course of X visits can be cheaper than going along on an irregular basis.

There is a dire shortage of psychologists in the NHS simply because the NHS will not pay them enough and expects them to work outrageous hours. Consequently it is all but impossible to find a NHS psychologist and then to find an excellent one. There is a problem for psychology because they do not have the authority to prescribe. Any prescription has to be made by a psychiatrist or GP.

Did your GP refuse to give you sleeping pills? Loss of sleep is devastating mentally as well as physically leaving you with problems about the simplest matter. Perhaps you could try again for help to get that essential sleep and then you may not need a psychologist. I argued with my GP and got that help.

15

Thank you for this. I am based in the midlands. I wouldn't mind travelling I have to find a solution as I cannot wait. Have you ever been private?

16

Not me, but my son needed help. That help lead to a correct diagnosis after 20 odd years of misdiagnosis by a string of 5 psychiatrists. The psychologist made the diagnosis within minutes and went on to ask more questions the answers to which simply increased the certainty of being correct.

Unless you are prepared to travel down to the Neath area I am not able to personally recommend a psychologist. However, there is at least one online method you could investigate at  http://startsmilingagain.com/

Other than that you should start at   http://www.bps.org.uk/psychology-public/find-psychologist/find-psychologist and then google psychologists when google offers a menu to save typing and one of those gives you psychologists near me. That gives you about 6 near your location.

 

17

Hi - is the Neath you're referring to in the S.Wales area? Are you able to contact me privately please?

Many thanks.