What is NHS Talking Therapies?
Talking Therapies is a NHS service designed to offer short-term psychological therapies to people suffering from anxiety, depression and stress. This service may also work with people who suffer from panic disorder, simple phobia, OCD or PTSD. NHS Talking Therapies is for people who live in Coventry, Warwickshire and Solihull.
Which conditions can you help with?
Many people struggle to recognise the symptoms of stress, which can include sleeping problems, sweating, loss of appetite and difficulty concentrating. Some may also feel anxious, irritable and may worry constantly or go over things in their heads. Others may lose their temper more easily, drink more or act unreasonably. Headaches, muscle tension or pain, or dizziness can be other signs.
We help adults (16-plus) across the Coventry, Warwickshire and Solihull area with symptoms and conditions including:
Who can access psychological therapy services?
This confidential, free NHS service is for anyone aged 16 years and older registerd with a GP in Coventry, Warwckshire and Solihull. There is no upper age limit.
How can I refer myself?
You can refer yourself to NHS Talking Therapies by filling in a form on Self Referral or by calling:
024 7667 1090 Lines are open from 9 am to 4.30 pm Monday to Friday Iexcluding bank Holidays)
You will speak to an administrator at our telephone and referral centre (TaRC) who will register your details on our system and begin the process of arranging an assessment appointment.
How soon will I get help?
We will take your details and if NHS Talking Therapies is right for you, we will offer you an assessment to discuss what will be most helpful to address your needs.
The first step will generally be a telephone assessment, however there are some alternatives to this so please let us know if this will be a problem for you.
Your telephone appointment will usually be within 28 days of referral.
How much do sessions cost?
NHS Talking Therapies is a national programme funded by the NHS and provided in this area by Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust.
Where will I be seen?
The location of your sessions will vary across Coventry, Warwickshire and Solihull. Face to face treatment sessions is dependent on clinical need and are offered in some GP surgeries, others in health centres or in offices at other suitable public buildings.
Treatment appointments via online video and telephone have less impact on family and work commitments. Our therapeutic courses and groups take place via Zoom platform, so no need to travel to a location.
Can I choose the gender of my therapist?
Yes. We will also attempt to accommodate race, cultural and language specific requests where we are able. This may depend on the people we have working for us at the time – staff move on or change roles and this could affect the level of provision available.
What if I missed an appointment?
It is unusual for people to miss appointments without cancelling or letting us know. If you were to miss two appointments, then your therapist will contact you and discuss whether this is the right time for therapy for you and talk about the options available to you.
What if I get worse?
At some point in our lives, we may experience dark thoughts of wishing we were dead or hurting ourselves in some way. If you find yourself having this thoughts:
- Let us know: next time you see your therapist, let them know. These thoughts can be difficult to manage and we have knowledge to support you with these.
- Tell a friend, family member or someone you trust or feel that you can open up to. Support from these people can be invaluable.
- Tell your GP: they have access to all kinds of support services which you might find helpful.
- There is a 24 hour helpline that you can contact on 0800 616171 and a website address www.wellbeingforwarwickshire.org.uk and these are available for Warwickshire residents 365 days a year. The Telephone Helpline consists of a team of highly trained and experienced support workers who use counselling skills to provide you with emotional guidance and information.
- Talk to Samaritans (116 123): a 24 hour listening service where you can talk in confidence.
NHS Talking Therapies is not an emergency service, so if you feel you are deteriorating or having thoughts of suicide, it is important you keep yourself safe and get some help.