Good post, fuzzy.

I'm one of the "lucky" ones in the uk. I have an extremely supportive GP, and he allows me the time I ned (as he does with all his patients)> Unfortunately, this means his appointments often run late...
My GP has treated me for the past 8 years or so for my depression. He has been creative with medications and is able to tell as I walk in the door how well I am doing.
My practice has a link with a counsellor, and I have just been referred for a further set of sessions with her. I cried when my GP offered me this. I have had two previous referrrals to her from my GP>

Like I say, I am one of the lucky ones. Even so, my referral will give me a maximum of 8 sessions. The counsellor works only two days a week with this practice. When I initially made contact with her at the start of July, she thought it was unlikely she would be able to see me before the end of August. (I was lucky again; she had a cancellation and offered it to me). MY sessions with her are for 50 minutes ad I have one session every two weeks.
My GP has never suggested referring me to the hospital. The local hospital only takes patients on an emergency basis - ie, those who are an immediate threat to themself or to others.

As I stress, I am "lucky" in my treatment. There are many worse off. And the fact that I have only 5 sessions left with my counsellor before paying to see her privately (which fortunately is an optiion) is frightening.

Well done, Fuzzy, for putting the situation so clearly.
Caroline