NHS Talking Therapies

nhs-tt

If you live in England and are aged 18 or over, you can access NHS talking therapies services for anxiety and depression. You can refer yourself directly without a referral.

Talking Therapies are a psychological therapy service offering a range of free talking therapies to people aged 16 and over in Lancashire and 18 and over in South Cumbria. 

1 in 4 people in the UK will experience a mental health problem each year. Many of us go through difficult times in our lives, which can leave us feeling worried, anxious or depressed and feeling unable to cope. Talking Therapies offer a range of brief psychological interventions to support people’s differing emotional needs (such as generalised anxiety, panic, Depression, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), this includes online, telephone and face-to-face treatment and therapy options. We also offer therapy for individuals with Long-Term Conditions (such as chronic pain or cardiovascular conditions) who are experiencing anxiety or low mood. All treatment is free and provided by the NHS and partners.

The Talking Therapies Team is made up of psychological wellbeing practitioners (PWP), cognitive behavioural therapists (CBT), counsellors, team leaders, and our supportive admin staff.

You can self-refer to our services either via this link by completing a registration form or by telephoning your local talking therapies team. 

What they can help with

Sometimes people come to talking therapies after seeing a GP and have a clear idea of their problem. Often though, people know they are experiencing problems (feeling low, having panic attacks) but are unsure of exactly what the problem might be. This is normal and during your appointments, you and your practitioner can discuss this.

Talking Therapies can help with a variety of problems and if you already know what the problem is, some of the most common mental health problems we work with panic disorder, depression, postnatal depression, generalised anxiety disorder, chronic worry, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), health anxiety and social anxiety.

For some problems there is more than one choice available, for some there is only one talking therapy option that is recommended to be effective. A practitioner will discuss the best options available for you during your initial telephone assessment.

 

They have two easy ways to self-refer online:

Referral assistant

Their smart digital referral assistant, Wysa, will guide you through some questions. Wysa is confidential and upon completion you gain access to a wealth of support whilst you wait to hear from us to discuss your referral. Access Wysa using the pop up option at the bottom right of this page.

Online form

Enter your details on our online referral form. We will then be in touch to discuss your referral.


Other ways to access the service

If you are unable to complete either the digital assistant or online form, you can contact your local team by telephone. Burnley number is 01282 657268.

If you are under another mental health team, and now is the right time to access support from Talking Therapies, please speak to your appointed clinician to discuss a referral. 

If you are a health professional and you would like to make a referral, please contact the local team. Please do not complete a self-referral form on behalf of someone else.

When I self-refer what happens next?

If you complete your self-referral via Wysa or our online form, you should receive a text message confirming this has gone through to our system, please contact your local team if you do not receive this.    

Once your referral has been accepted by your local team they will then be in touch to book a telephone assessment. If you think that you will struggle speaking on the phone, please let us know when we contact you to discuss an alternative appointment.

Accessibility

If you are deaf or hard of hearing or if English is not your first language you can:

  • text your message to your local team telephone number;
  • request an interpreter (different language/BSL etc)
  • We will arrange and book an independent interpreter, you cannot use your own family member or friend as an interpreter
  • request to use Language Line for support;
  • make admin aware you are unable or prefer not to use a telephone;
  • request to be sent messages by text or letter

If you are blind or have poor sight you can:

  • request telephone appointments;
  • be signposted to braille or audio materials (where possible);
  • request to be left voicemails and contact by telephone

If you have difficulty with your mobility you can:

  • request telephone or online appointments or treatment for easier access;
  • request an accessible clinic location if you wish to access face-to-face support