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Consultant letter for ESA
- RaggedRobyn
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8 years 3 months ago #149155 by RaggedRobyn
Consultant letter for ESA was created by RaggedRobyn
Hello I wonder if anyone can offer any advice on this - I have complex mental health issues and am on ESA (Support Group). Since moving to a new area I pay for my own psychotherapy (with my benefit) as what I need to actually recover as opposed to just being supported, is not available on NHS.
My question is - would a new claim for ESA be more likely to succeed (when I am reassessed) if a consultant psychiatrist diagnosed me, wrote to my GP where records are kept etc? Would a letter from my (highly experienced) psychotherapist carry the same weight as she cannot formally diagnose? My GP is supportive but can only go by the records she has which is not being under a consultant for a number of years.
Thanks.
My question is - would a new claim for ESA be more likely to succeed (when I am reassessed) if a consultant psychiatrist diagnosed me, wrote to my GP where records are kept etc? Would a letter from my (highly experienced) psychotherapist carry the same weight as she cannot formally diagnose? My GP is supportive but can only go by the records she has which is not being under a consultant for a number of years.
Thanks.
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- Gordon
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8 years 2 months ago #149190 by Gordon
It really depends on what they write, sometimes no evidence is better than a poorly written report. I suppose there could be some concern that as you paying for the service you have more control over the content of the report than if an NHS Consultant wrote it, but we haven't had much feedback on the forum about this so it's difficult to comment.
Gordon
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Replied by Gordon on topic Consultant letter for ESA
HelenC wrote: Hello I wonder if anyone can offer any advice on this - I have complex mental health issues and am on ESA (Support Group). Since moving to a new area I pay for my own psychotherapy (with my benefit) as what I need to actually recover as opposed to just being supported, is not available on NHS.
My question is - would a new claim for ESA be more likely to succeed (when I am reassessed) if a consultant psychiatrist diagnosed me, wrote to my GP where records are kept etc? Would a letter from my (highly experienced) psychotherapist carry the same weight as she cannot formally diagnose? My GP is supportive but can only go by the records she has which is not being under a consultant for a number of years.
Thanks.
It really depends on what they write, sometimes no evidence is better than a poorly written report. I suppose there could be some concern that as you paying for the service you have more control over the content of the report than if an NHS Consultant wrote it, but we haven't had much feedback on the forum about this so it's difficult to comment.
Gordon
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
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- shelam
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8 years 2 months ago #149191 by shelam
Replied by shelam on topic Consultant letter for ESA
Hi Helen
I would think that being assessed and diagnosed by a consultant psychiatrist would be a wise step to take; any supportive evidence is valuable when you are applying for a benefit. At the same time, a letter from your psychotherapist, who has a great deal of knowledge of you and your condition and how it affects you would also be strongly supportive. She is a medical professional, and knowledgeable, whether she can diagnose or not.
When it comes to supportive evidence - the more the better!! Good luck.
I would think that being assessed and diagnosed by a consultant psychiatrist would be a wise step to take; any supportive evidence is valuable when you are applying for a benefit. At the same time, a letter from your psychotherapist, who has a great deal of knowledge of you and your condition and how it affects you would also be strongly supportive. She is a medical professional, and knowledgeable, whether she can diagnose or not.
When it comes to supportive evidence - the more the better!! Good luck.
The following user(s) said Thank You: RaggedRobyn
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