York and Selby Talking Therapies

Talking Therapies is a national NHS programme designed to increase the availability of talking therapy treatments recommended by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). Talking Therapies seeks to use the least intrusive method of care possible to treat people. This is often called a ‘stepped care model’ and means that the patient is generally offered a low-intensity therapy in the first instance. Examples of low-intensity treatment would include computerised cognitive behavioural therapy (cCBT), psycho-educational courses, guided self-help – over the phone or face to face.

If low-intensity treatments are unsuccessful or inappropriate then patients can be ‘stepped up’ to a high-intensity therapy. This often takes the form of one-to-one cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).

To make sure that the Talking Therapies service is right for you they will first offer you a brief initial assessment. Most are undertaken over the phone, although alternative arrangements can be made if required. At the end of the assessment, they will discuss what help is available within the service. Where Talking Therapies is not the most suitable service they can signpost you to alternatives where available.

NHS Talking Therapies for Anxiety and Depression is a nation-wide service offering evidence–based treatment for common mental health problems such as Depression and Anxiety Disorders. Although not a bereavement service, Talking Therapies does provide treatment for problems which may accompany bereavement over time such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Prolonged Grief Disorder.

Typically, Talking Therapies services can assess for PTSD a month after bereavement if intrusive memories (‘flashbacks’) are continuing to be experienced. Prolonged Grief can be assessed after 6 months following a loss if the grieving process does not appear to be progressing.

Self referral via webpage.