I assume it varies (just as Colleen mentioned), and you could call and ask. They’ll tell you what they can.

But I dunno, I would have liked more information because the process seems so opaque. If you’re thinking about the “Request Appointment” process that’s all over the website:

If it helps any, I’ve submitted a few appointment requests through the regular appointment request option online—two were requests from my doctor and one from me (if you’re wondering, only one of the above was granted). One possible benefit of faxing the request or working with your doctor is we were able to submit the maximum number or clinical notes allowed attached to the referral to support my case. But it’s hard to tell if it made any difference, though it helped for when I got there.

In my experience, it took just a few days, definitely less than a week to be offered/declined an appointment, but it took longer to hear back on the denials because they sent snail mail, or you can call to inquire. When I was offered an appointment, they called. My situation was non-urgent, so the appointment was 3 months out. But I think that also depends on the department.

Ultimately, I got into a different clinic that allowed self-referrals—meaning I called, they asked me a few screening questions, concluded it was appropriate to see me, and they put me on a waiting list they told me was about one year in length, but I got a call in 7 months for an appointment 3 months later. I feel like that last situation was unusual though.

Good luck to you and your child.