Where you might get support
Your GP will know of the NHS services which are available in your area to help with mental health difficulties.
New services are also being rolled out at the moment. These are part of the National Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) programme. The London IAPT regional implementation team is Working for Wellness, based with Commissioning Support for London.
These services will make it easier to access Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). CBT is an evidence based intervention which helps people with depression and anxiety disorders but please note that this is a new initiative and it is still not always easy to access these kinds of services in many places. However, more services are being rolled out every year improving access across London and the UK.
Currently in London, 15 boroughs have these new services; (Information about services will be updated as it is received.)
Camden ~ City and Hackney ~Ealing ~ Greenwich ~ Hammersmith and Fulham ~ Haringey ~ Islington ~ Lambeth ~ Lewisham ~ Newham ~ Southwark ~ Sutton and Merton ~ Tower Hamlets ~ Wandsworth ~ Westminster
Using the interactive map below you can find out where these services are and how to contact them. Many of them allow you to make an appointment to see someone – without the need for you to go to your GP first.
This innovative service is being trialled on Working for Wellness – and we’d really appreciate your feedback and ideas.
If there are no IAPT services in your borough yet, there are other ways to find help.
There is a list of accredited Cognitive Behavioural Therapists at www.babcp.com some of whom provide therapy through the private sector.
You can also find an on line version of CBT at www.LivingLifetotheFull.com
If you would like to see a counsellor, you will find a list of accredited counsellors at www.bacp.com.uk
It may be more convenient to seek further information and support over the phone, for an A-Z of national and local help lines (some of which are available 24 hours) please see www.mhhp.org.uk
You may also find it useful to visit the BBC Headroom site. There is a lot of information there about mental health, the different problems you might experience and ways you might overcome them.
Tags: GP, London Services, Mental Health Services, Primary Care
