CBT - no issues but how to 'prove'?

[bmair]

I'm a student pilot, in the UK, with fewer than 10 hours of lessons but working towards going solo and achieving my PPL.

My Class 2 medical seemed fine, except when I declared that I had self-referred for CBT in 2016 under the new NHS 'Improved Access to Psychological Therapies' programme (search NHS IAPT on the web). This is because I'd been made redundant and was having relationship issues.

After six sessions, I was discharged and have been confirmed that no depression/anxiety or any other formal medical issue was diagnosed. My GP received only a letter confirming discharge, no mention of outcomes or diagnosis.

Unfortunately, the location at which I undertook CBT won't write me a letter to confirm everything is OK due to not having the "right insurance". My GP was unable to write anything specific about it except for stating there were no mental health issues recorded.

I've sent my AME as much as possible including an informal email from the CBT counsellor noting that they felt there was nothing to report (but obviously couldn't write a letter!). The AME is now saying this may need to be referred to the CAA for a decision. Could anyone clarify what that would entail, and how I could make this process as smooth as possible? I've read around the whole CAA site on this and there's not a specific flowchart for my situation.

I have read other threads about speaking to their consultant psychologist/psychiatrist but unsure if this applies for a Class 2 with technically no history of depression or anxiety. I've never received medication or asked for medication.

So in summary - I referred myself to CBT due to life events in 2016, I'm mentally healthy, but can't produce a letter confirming this. What might the next steps be from AME/CAA on this?

Thanks!

[tsvpilot]

The "worst case" is that CAA requires an assessment by aviation psychiatrist. This can delay the medical for several weeks, especially if everyone is out enjoying the summer.

[Radgirl]

In terms of your letter, you have a legal right to your notes. There is no 'insurance' to write a letter although they may have baulked at writing 'everything is OK' as all they could write is that you had diagnosis X and were given treatment Y and discharged on such and such a date. If you find you are being obstructed in obtaining this simply ask for your full notes and send them to your AME.

[gingernut]

Glad to hear you've fully recovered.

As radgirl says. ^^

Everyone's likely to be wanting to cover their bum, so in reality, it's likely that you'll need a psych opinion, which may delay things slightly.

Good luck and please keep us up to speed.

[bmair]

I should've updated on this a long time ago. In short, good news.

I was able to get a copy of my full notes from the counselling organisation. I had these in hand when I explained the situation to my AME.

He consulted with the CAA, who had nothing to say on my counselling. They wanted evidence for some other minor issues, which, frankly, was far easier to secure. The counselling notes were never required.

I was cleared for Class 2 and subsequently achieved my first solo.

Honestly, I was quite worried about this. My _hope_ is that the CAA understand that IAPT is similar to going to a GP for a minor medical issue, which can be resolved with appropriate treatment before it festers and becomes life-changing.

I had been recommended a very good AME who was fact-focused. I recommend others in a similar situation find the same and be open -- even if it feels difficult to share with an unknown person. They are professionals and make judgements based on evidence, which is all you can ask for.