"Awaiting first appointment"

I was referred to IAPT therapies in June 2024 via my rheumatologist, I never heard anything until my amazing physiotherapist referred me again in November 2024 as he felt I should have heard by now.

I then got a message for an appointment to have my initial assessment in January, this was done and a next appointment to start the therapy sessions were to start in February. Unfortunately, this coincided with a physiotherapist appointment, and the counsellor was also on annual leave, therefore we rescheduled.

I had a no caller ID missed call, assumed it would be from IAPT, so I called them back, to be informed my appointment had again been cancelled and next appointment was in April. However, I've had other messages advising an appointment was made for March, and whilst I am booked in on the service calendar, I'm not actually booked in with my counsellor, so the appointment wasn't an actual appointment.

I just feel very anxious regarding starting the therapy, so to again be cancelled is exacerbating my symptoms and I feel somewhat let down and frustrated that the booking system clearly isn't effective and it will be almost a year since my physical diagnosis, which is linked to my mental health and yet I still haven't had my first session.

Hopefully my appointment in April will happen, but just feel there is a better system, and calling people on no caller ID doesn't help.