MO,
I'm truly sorry it was so impersonal...
Community services follow the guidelines imposed by different things...it's unfortunate that they cannot respond more quickly...the people who are there sincerely want to help.
My daughter has received excellent care from our local mental health center.

Jme, but the telephone assessment is usually done by a trained professional...nurse practitioner, MSW counselor, etc..
Their questions are designed to help them direct you to the counselor who will be of most help. Many counselors specialize now, not to the point of not seeing other clients, but their concentration may be more geared to the issues you are facing...
As far as the length of time for the appt, I hope you get one quickly. To be honest, it was five weeks before my daughter was seen...she did take advantage of other services offered in the interim. She chose to do so because she was so troubled, and it did help keep her going until her appt.

MO, it took a lot of courage to take this action and I commend you for doing it.
I know it was a disappointment to find out you would have to wait, but don't give up. Only by making that call can you start things rolling...
Keep posting here and taking part in chats. It's safe and it helps to feel connected to others...even if it is online.
Online folks are some of the best people in the world.
The support and understanding is equal to anything in real life, and in many ways it's better.

Cap