Class 1 Medical Mental Health referrals
Hi,
I'm looking to get an idea of people's general experiences getting a class 1 issued with history of mental health issues.
As background around 5 years ago I was depressed for a few months and went to see the GP so my medical notes cover this. Had a few GP appointments went on a mindfulness course and had a couple of counselling sessions at the uni conselling centre; no medication. After 6 months or so I was signed off as A-ok by the GP.
Disclosed this all at my medical and the AME fair enoughly can't issue the class 1 until I've had a referral (as I expected). Now I was expecting a referral to a CAA psych, but I've got a referral to a private psychiatrist based down in Brighton (at the princely sum of £280) with the additional fact that after this the AME may still not be able to issue the class 1 and will defer me to the CAA for another appointment (at ~£200). I'm also training in Spain so travelling back to appointments is pretty inconvenient, lost training time and more money.
Having spoken to one caseworker at the CAA they thought it was odd to be referred to an external psych and that it was likely that I would have to come into the CAA. They were surprised and suggested cutting out the middle man and just getting a referral straight to the CAA. This is essentially what I would prefer instead of the hassle of another appointment before this...
tl;dr what was the process for other people: did your AME refer you straight to the CAA psych or was there another appointment?
ps. if you don't want to discuss in public forum, pm is welcome