The ten minute appointment

Specialist CBT therapy for anxiety, OCD, depression and more in West London

Short healthcare appointments can leave people feeling relieved, rushed, uncertain or all three. They may involve a conversation about symptoms, medication, safety, practical pressures, a referral, a follow up plan or questions that need more time. A blog cannot determine what happened in a particular appointment, judge a clinician’s decision or say which care pathway is right for one person. It can be difficult when someone leaves with unanswered questions. That does not necessarily mean they were dismissed or that they should manage alone. Healthcare professionals often work within systems, clinical responsibilities and time pressures that are not visible in a single consultation. It may be appropriate to ask for clarification, arrange another appointment, seek advice from the relevant service or discuss current concerns with a GP or other appropriate professional. Physical symptoms should not automatically be understood as anxiety. New, severe, changing or worrying symptoms should be discussed with an appropriate medical professional. If there is immediate danger, a mental health crisis, thoughts of self harm or an inability to keep safe, urgent appropriate help is needed. CBT may be discussed after an individual assessment where appropriate. A short enquiry is not a clinical assessment, a diagnosis, a guarantee of availability or a promise that CBT will be suitable. It can be a chance to ask practical questions about the process, current options, fees and whether a fuller assessment may be worth considering. An assessment can explore what has been difficult, relevant health information, current support, safety, practical pressures and what the person hopes to understand or change. It should not presume that therapy is the only response, that medication is always or never appropriate, or that a particular outcome will follow. It can be useful to write down the questions that did not fit into an earlier appointment. People may want to ask what a term means, what to do if symptoms change, whether a referral has been made, how long a follow up might take, or what other sources of support exist. Bringing questions does not make someone demanding or difficult. It can help them take part in a conversation about care while recognising that the appropriate next step depends on individual circumstances and changing needs, including current safety and practical support, over time, together, perhaps still. For related information, see <a href="/approach/cbt therapy/">the CBT approach</a>, <a href="/guides/private therapy no gp referral/">the guide to private therapy without a GP referral</a> and <a href="/fees/">current fees and practical arrangements</a>.