In my experience, NHS therapy is very limited and you're only ever offered CBT or basic counselling. If, like me, that doesn't work, you are thrown on the scrap heap. I still need help and I don't know what to do now.

What kind of area does your friend live in? I live in quite a deprived, densely populated area, which means that it can be practically impossible to access any kind of help because of the lack of resources. The quality of services may differ if someone lives in a "nicer" quieter place because there will be fewer people in need of help on the NHS as they can afford to go private.

Is there any way that your friend could pay for private therapy? There may be concessions available for people on low incomes - sometimes as little as £10 a session. I did enquire for myself but unfortunately there are no such services in my town, which means I'd have to travel too far and I can't afford the train fare on top of the cheaper therapy.

Maybe her psychiatrist can offer some solutions? If not, a support worker or CPN may be able able to visit her at home to offer some advice.

I know this post is quite negative and doesn't offer much advice, but in many ways I can relate to your friend because I have social anxiety, and I know how hard it is to get the right kind of help.

Bast of luck to her x