The first stop should be your GP. Not only will they be familiar with your medical history, but they will be able to direct you to the appropriate treatment. They may refer you to the range of specialist Newham Mental Health Services. You can also contact these services directly. They include the Community Mental Health Teams and Newham Psychological Services.
The Community Mental Health Teams (CMHT)
There are four area based Community Mental Health Teams and people can be referred to one of these in a number of ways. The service accepts referrals from other professional services, such as GPs, and from individuals themselves or their family members. Once you have been referred, the CMHT will then make arrangements to assess you.
The assessment involves an in-depth discussion with a mental health professional, usually a nurse or a social worker. The professional carrying out the assessment will then discuss with their colleagues, including a psychiatrist, how best to help. The help may be:
- Advice to your doctor about what medication to prescribe
- Access to psychological treatments
- Advice and assistance with social problems such as isolation, housing, etc.
- Ongoing support form a CMHT worker
If you need longer-term support in managing your mental health problems, you will be allocated to a CMHT worker who will devise a care plan for you. This care plan will be periodically reviewed.
How to contact the Community Mental Health Teams
You can contact the teams directly:
South West
The Hub
123 Star Lane
London E16 4PZ
020 7055 4400
South East
Passmore Edwards Building
Forest Gate
London E7 8QR
020 8475 8000
North East
Passmore Edwards Building
Forest Gate
London E7 8QR
020 8475 8000
North West
10 Vicarage Lane
Stratford
London E15 4ES
020 8536 2289
Newham Psychological Services
This is a local NHS therapies service based in community venues in Newham. They aim to try to get you the help you need within days rather than weeks or months. If they cannot help you themselves they will do everything they can to make sure that you get the right help from the right people. They offer therapy, support and advice to anyone over 16 living in Newham or who has a Newham GP.
Newham Psychological Services have provided therapy and support to hundreds of people who now live happier, healthier lives.
They also have a specialist employment team who can support you to find new opportunities in volunteering or work, and help you retain your job.
If you are a friend or family member of someone who has mental health problems the service can help you learn more about the problems you can see your loved ones experiencing. They can also advise and support you in guiding them towards seeking help.
How to get in touch with Newham Psychological Services
To speak to a therapist or an employment coach or for more information please call us on 020 8475 8080 between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday (you can leave a message on this number outside of these hours).
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