2 years follow up so far with psychiatrist general hospital. It's been great. They know their shit, got prescribed a drug that actually works. Although I have to say, for the medicine to work, you have to work with the doctors. Probably have another 1 year of medicine before they will start me with talking to therapist session. I wish I had done this sooner and save me years of anguish because I thought I can man up and live life like normal people.

If you're a talkative person, you can try chatting with other patients while waiting for your number to be called. You will realize that the problem that you're having is real and more than just "it's all in your head" problem. It is unfortunate that regular healthy people can't relate to our problem - and to be frank, it's better to just ignore all those 'just go out take a walk it will heal you' type of comments. It doesn't work that way.

Excluding the referral letter you have to bring, probably up to 1 month waiting? Depends on which hospital you went. I think they did quick checkup on you before deciding if you can wait or need immediate attention.
Sometimes the clinic is so jam packed, they put 3 patients in one consultation room. The doctors looked so overworked feels like I'm not the actual patient in the room. This was my experience in large hospital in KL. Just last month I went to the counter thinking I could change appointment date by 1 week on September, they said the earliest date I could move to will be on mid November.

Back then I went to smaller district hospital, there was like probably 5 people waiting.

KK I don't know. But the hospital psy clinic will be more than happy to give you MC should your employer is being an ass about taking one day off for the visit (like my previous company only approve annual leave request at least 1 month in advance, when my appointment is every 2 weeks).

Appointment set 9am. I usually arrive at clinic floor 8-ish. 5 minutes to get number. Waiting for my number to be called for registration around 40 minutes. Pay RM5 fee.
After that I go to the actual clinic front desk. Get another number to meet doctor. Wait max probably 2 hours, depending on how much people that day.
Talk to doctor, earlier when I'm not quite okay is 30 minutes to pour out all my problems. Now is like just 5 minutes because I'm quite okay, not much trouble.

Depending on your case, next appointment ranging from 7 days, 2 weeks, 1 month, 2 months or 4 months. Early case they want to see if you're okay with medication, probably they ask to come again in 2 weeks. How many sessions is also up to your case. The doctor will give you suggestion of what kind of approach you can take. Based on clinical guideline for my case, earliest is 2 years with medication, they said they will refer a patient to a therapist when the patient has become mindful. I'm not clear what they mean by mindful - I think it's like when you know your problem and you know how to live with that problem.

Right now I come follow up every 4 months because I got no problem. If there is any problem during the 4 months, can call hospital general line, get them to call psy clinic to figure out to arrange earlier appointment. If emergency just walk to ED, they will call psy to see you.

If boss didn't give you leave for the appointment, just ask for mc or time slip. The doctors are very helpful.