Psychological therapies have been shown to be an effective treatment for people with common mental health problems such as depression and anxiety disorders. Therapy requires a person to talk about their difficulties, access difficult feelings and thoughts and be motivated to make changes and attend sessions. There is evidence that the effects of psychological treatment are more long lasting after medication has stopped and that relapse into depression is less likely. Treatments are evidence based such as those recommended by NICE which include, but are not limited to, cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT). Although treatments vary according to the individual’s condition the stepped care approach advocates that a person would start with the least intensive treatment which offers a reasonable prospect of success, and should then ‘step up’ to a more intensive treatment, if necessary.

Ongoing review is an integral part of the programme, so patients whose difficulties are not improving will be ‘stepped up’ to more intensive treatments. What the service offers: Guided self-help, group therapy, one-to-one including CBT, employment support and signposting to other services. We cater for all members of the community who require primary care help with their emotional health, therefore provide an open and accessible service.

Our clinicians work creatively and flexibly to understand and treat the person in the context of their problems, including an awareness and sensitivity to pertinent cultural and religious beliefs, for example. In addition to working age adults, we provide a service for those over the age of 65.