For a non-acute mental health issue that doesn't seem unreasonable. But do you know how it works after that waiting period? Are you limited to a certain number of sessions after which you have to reapply & wait again, or can you continue on?
Having to wait in the US is also not uncommon, thought it's easier if you live in more populated areas. Psychiatrists are always much harder though, even in populated areas, and many GP's are reluctant to prescribe anything more than an SSRI. If a mood stabilizer or anything else is necessary then you could be waiting 6 months for a first visit with a psychiatrist. Unless you have the money: There is high enough demand and low enough supply that many (and often the better ones) don't accept insurance at all, an intake visit runs up to $1000, a full visit $500, and a 20-minute "medication maintenance" visit is still $250. Also if someone is suicidal they can jump the 6-month line by going to the nearest ER.
Are psychiatrists difficult to get in the UK as well?
[1] https://www.theguardian.com/society/2022/oct/10/nhs-mental-h...
We didn't get any anti-depressants. More info: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/talking-therapies-medicine-...
The waiting list for that is considerable. You can (usually) get a GP for free, and they can chuck antidepressants at you, but that's not quite the same thing.