Most people with mental health problems get help through their general practitioner (family doctor), but sometimes extra help is needed, and this is when you might get asked to meet us.
We are a group of mental health professionals; doctors, nurses, occupational therapists, psychologists, social workers and support workers. We work together to provide a specialist mental health services, within community mental health teams.
What will happen at my first appointment?
One or two professionals from our team will talk with you, to assess your problems and the type of help you might need. We will ask questions about you, your health, life and problems. You will also be able to ask us any questions you have.
The appointment is likely to last approximately 1 hour.
At the end of the assessment, we will give you advice about what sort of help we can provide, and we will talk about what will happen next.
I find it difficult to talk about my problems
Lots of people feel like this. We know it can be hard to talk about your life and problems, but we will try to be patient and understanding. Knowing about you will help us work out how best to help you.
Can I bring someone with me?
Some people want to bring a family member or friend with them. Do bring someone if you wish. You may want them to stay for some or all of the appointment but usually we ask to see you alone for some of the assessment.
What happens next?
All the information gathered during your appointment will be used to make a decision on how best to help you at this time. To do this we may ask to involve other professionals in the local mental health team.
A plan appropriate to your needs will be agreed with you before you leave the appointment. This may be added to in the future if required.
How to get here/how to contact us
If we have asked you to come to one of our buildings, we enclose a leaflet with a map, public transport and parking information. We will be happy to change dates or venues if this is needed and aim to be as flexible to your needs as possible.
Please let us know if you are unavailable for your appointment so that we can rearrange this and we can then offer this initial appointment to another person.
If you need an interpreter please tell us.