Mental Health Services on the NHS
The NHS has responded to the increase in mental health issues by offering services. This includes:
The Long Term Plan reaffirmed its commitment to increase investment in mental healthcare services faster than the overall NHS budget. This will include specialist suicide prevention work.
Need help?
One of four of us will have mental health issues at some point in our lives. The good news is that there are many different ways to get help, and most people recover over time. It is essential to know what help is available, and who can provide it.
You can seek help from your GP, your local health center or mental health team in your local area. These teams are made up of nurses, occupational therapists psychotherapists, psychotherapists and speech and language therapists who work together with those who utilize the service. Depending on the type of help you require you could receive individual or group therapy.
You will be asked to fill out a form by your GP so that they can refer you to a mental health professional in the community. They will also ask what type of assistance you require. You will be consulted by a member of the mental team, such as a psychologist, psychiatrist or social worker. In some instances a clinical nurse specialist will conduct your assessment and treatment. If you're in a crisis, you can contact the NHS 111 helpline for urgent support. If you are already receiving support for your mental health It is recommended to call your usual team first, unless out of office hours, on a weekend or a bank holiday.
The Five Year Forward View for Mental Health detailed plans to establish multidisciplinary, community-based mental health teams that are connected to primary care networks. These teams will enhance the quality of the mental health services that is provided to those who are in a crisis, and offer support to patients in their own homes and communities instead of in hospitals.
The plan also aims at making crisis services more accessible by reducing wait times and opening up more beds. It also proposes the introduction of mental health transport vehicles and ensure that every ambulance has a mental health liaison nurse in their control rooms to ensure that people who are having a mental health crisis are supported in emergency situations.
Treatment options
The NHS provides a wide range of treatment options for mental health issues. GPs typically have the ability to treat milder conditions, but more severe illnesses will require the assistance of a specialist team. These teams operate across community and primary mental health services, as well as psychiatric hospitals. There are also safe places where you can seek help for those who are in a state of crisis.
Talking therapies are one of the most popular forms of treatment for anxiety and depression. These programs, formerly known as IAPT (Interactive Assessment and Psychotherapy) have seen their referral numbers increase each year since they introduced in 2008. The NHS Long Term Plan has committed to expanding these programs to 1.9 million people by 2023/2024.
Psychiatric medications are another crucial aspect of treatment. They can help alleviate symptoms by altering the way chemicals work in your brain. They can also be used to lessen the negative effects of other treatments. Your doctor will recommend the best medication for you.
There are a variety of talk therapies, such as individual therapy and group therapy. Some of these therapies are delivered in-person, while others are available online. Some patients prefer face to face treatment, but it is a matter of choice. Mind is one of the charities that provide support groups and classes. The site contains a wealth of reliable information however, be aware of the fact that there are numerous false or misleading statements that are posted on the internet about mental health issues.
While the NHS is improving its mental health care but it's still struggling to cope with demand. There are 54 mental health trusts across the UK, and most of are funded by clinical commissioning groups to deliver their service. They are typically located in a specific area however, they can also be commissioned to provide national services.
The shortage of resources is a major issue. There are also concerns over the quality of care, and there is a shortage of psychiatrists and nurses. The NHS is striving to improve its services by introducing new ways of working and offering more training. It also offers more efficient and safer methods to treat people in crisis. This includes mobile crisis teams, as well as safe spaces.
We are here to help you
Since the NHS was established 70 years ago there are positive changes for those with mental health issues. Treatment options have gotten more diverse and social barriers are being broken down. But there is much more to be done.
Patients who are experiencing mental health problems need to be able to access the assistance they require quickly and easily. The NHS is working to improve its services so that people in need receive assistance. By 2020/21, we will make sure that all acute hospitals have a mental-health liaison service both in A&E and on wards for inpatients, and that 70% of these will meet the standard of 24 by 2023/24. Then we will strive to achieve 100 percent coverage.
We will also increase community services, including talking therapy, in order to provide assistance to hundreds of thousands of people with mental health issues, whether they are severe or common. We will continue to work on the national Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) programme so that more people can be treated by trained therapists quicker.
private mental health care near me offers free, confidential helplines to anyone who is struggling with mental health issues. Samaritans Mind and Rethink are some of the helplines available. These helplines are operated by trained volunteers. They offer a safe space to talk, or offer information and advice on how to tackle your mental health issues.
Additionally there are a variety of local organizations that offer support and guidance for those suffering from mental health issues. Self-help guides, coping techniques and other activities are all possible. Many of these organisations provide support groups in person for those who prefer it.
For students, there is the University's Open Door Team which offers an opportunity to consult with a counsellor at any time for those who are feeling down or stressed. There is also the Nightline student counselling service that provides confidential listening and support from knowledgeable volunteers, or details about other services. Charities such as Mind and Rethink are a excellent source of information and can offer support in many forms that include online and through local groups. They can offer a range of courses and activities from mindfulness to art classes that can be beneficial for those suffering from mental health issues.
Referrals
Mental health services are under pressure and GPs are forced to make difficult choices regarding which specialist services to refer their patients to. The doctor will take into consideration the medical history of the patient and recommend them to services they believe will be able to assist. They may send a referral to an NHS trust or an independent provider.
A mental health specialist will assess the referral to determine if it's appropriate or not. If the specialist isn't satisfied with the referral they will contact the GP to discuss their decision and explain why. They could also ask the GP to change the referral or request more details.
The ability to refer patients to a local Community Mental Health Team can be made through the NHS e-Referral Service. The system allows doctors and other healthcare professionals direct patients to a preliminary assessment service for mental health or directly to an appointment. However not all CMHTs provide both options, and the system isn't able to be used for every kind of mental health referral.
A GP can also refer a patient to a mental health specialist in the community service (CMT). They are typically operated by a large local healthcare organization or a hospital. CMTs are an excellent option for those who have to visit a psychologist or psychiatrist but don't require inpatient treatment. They can also provide an early intervention service, where a psychiatrist will work with an therapist to help a person overcome a problem or improve their life quality.
One of the major challenges faced by a CMT is ensuring that all suitable referrals are assigned within the appropriate timeframe. Many referrals are deemed urgent, even if they may not be. This can result in delays and over-working for people who aren't in need.
To address this issue certain CMHTs are working to establish more uniform guidelines for what is considered an urgent referral. This was achieved by using a standardised form that asks the referrer if the situation is urgent. The proforma includes a box for the referrer to tick if they feel the referral is urgent.