NHS Talking Therapies at South London and Maudsley
Feeling low, anxious or overwhelmed is something many people experience – and help is available if you’re struggling to cope. NHS Talking Therapies offer free, effective psychological treatments for adults in England experiencing common mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, social anxiety, panic attacks, OCD, PTSD and specific phobias.
The NHS is launching a new campaign this month to promote the service across the country – and we’re keen to promote our own talking therapies offer.
At South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLaM), we offer NHS Talking Therapies services in our four boroughs to ensure people across our community can access timely, evidence based support when they face mental health issues. These therapies are designed to help you understand your thoughts and feelings, learn practical coping strategies and make positive changes in day to day life.
What Talking Therapies Involve
Talking therapies pair you with a trained mental health professional who will work with you to understand what you’re experiencing and find the right approach. Sessions may be offered:
- One to one
- In groups
- Over the phone
- Via video calls
- Through guided self help resources or online programmes
Depending on your needs, treatments may include cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), guided self help , group workshops or structured psychological therapy.
Therapies are active and collaborative — you may work through exercises or reflection tasks between sessions to build skills and track your progress.
Who Can Access Talking Therapies?
You don’t need a mental health diagnosis to seek help. Adults aged 18 and over living in Southwark, Lambeth, Croydon and Lewisham can refer themselves via our website or by speaking to their GP , midwife or healthcare worker .
How to Get Support
Self referral is the quickest and most direct way to access talking therap ies . Once you complete a short form, your local service will contact you to discuss your needs and guide you through next steps, including waiting times and suitable treatment options.
Start your referral here:
https://slam.nhs.uk/talking-therapy
If you’re unsure whether talking therap ies are right for you, your GP can help you explore your options and decide the best type of support.
