General Medicine Psychology Service
Supporting You to Live Well with Your Health Condition
Living with a physical health condition involves much more than just attending medical appointments or managing medications. It can affect how you feel, how you relate to others, the things you enjoy, and the life you hope for.
Our General Medicine Clinical Health Psychology team is here to help you find ways to feel more like ‘you’ again balancing the medical side of things with the emotional, personal, and social aspects of your life.
How Might Your Health Condition Affect You?
Everyone's experience is unique. You may:
- Feel overwhelmed, worried, or low in mood.
- Find it harder to keep up with hobbies, work, or studies.
- Feel frustrated about the changes in your life.
- Notice strains in relationships with family, friends, or partners.
- Feel uncertain about the future or isolated, as though others don’t quite understand what you’re going through.
- Lose confidence or find it challenging to follow your doctor’s recommendations.
If you have any of these feelings, please know you’re not alone and support is available.
How We Can Help
The General Medicine Psychology Service at Whittington Hospital specialises in helping you build on your strengths, explore new ways to cope, and restore a sense of balance and hope. Working together, we can:
- Understand your experiences and what truly matters to you.
- Develop practical strategies for managing distress, worry, and low mood related to your health.
- Help you navigate lifestyle changes suggested by your medical team.
- Support communication and strengthen important relationships.
- Find ways to rebuild confidence and reclaim activities that bring joy and meaning.
What to expect
Initial Assessment: We’ll begin with a conversation to understand your current situation, concerns, and personal goals.
Sessions: We typically offer around six -to-eight sessions, which can be held in person, by video, or over the telephone. If it feels right, you’re welcome to bring a partner, family member, or close friend for support. For certain conditions (like cardiology and gastroenterology), we can also offer psychological support if you’re currently an inpatient.
How to get referred
- By Your Healthcare Team: Any member of your Whittington medical or allied health team (doctor, nurse specialist, physiotherapist, occupational therapist) can refer you.
- By Request: During your medical appointment, just let your health professional know you would like to be referred to us.
- Between Appointments: If it feels too long to wait until your next medical visit, you (or someone on your behalf) can contact the pathway coordinator or administrator for your medical team. They will let your clinician know you would like to be referred to us.
Waiting time
- First Appointment: Within four weeks after we have your referral and have contacted you to ‘opt-in.
- Ongoing Sessions: Usually within 12 weeks after your initial assessment session.
- Inpatient Support: Within five working days of referral for eligible cardiology and gastroenterology inpatients.
“This service gave me the opportunity to explore issues with a professional who truly listened.”
“I gained clarity and discovered new ways to help myself.”
“I feel more balanced and confident after these sessions.”
“I learned not to push myself beyond my limits and found kindness for myself.”
“I gained clarity and discovered new ways to help myself.”
“I feel more balanced and confident after these sessions.”
“I learned not to push myself beyond my limits and found kindness for myself.”
Last updated08 May 2025