Why I Don’t Keep a Waiting List

Waiting lists for counselling are often spoken about, particularly within the NHS, where waiting lists are prolonged, which can lead to worse mental health outcomes. As a therapist who works in an open-ended way, keeping a waiting list feels unfair, and with the indefinite way I have to ask, is it morally and ethically to do so? Years ago, I did keep a waiting list, especially for those requiring concessions; however, managing this became overwhelming with the need to constantly juggle the administrative side and manage expectations.  

Although in an ideal world, if you are a returning client, a therapist will have space, unfortunately, this is not always the case, particularly when they work in an open-ended. Therapists know the maximum number of clients they can see, which will not be detrimental to their own health and well-being, and if they’ve reached that number, it would be unethical to work beyond their capacity.

So, new or old clients, when I have no availability, I will:

• Refer you to the centre I work at or a colleague

• Providing immediate resources, e.g. Helpline