Clinical health psychology (general medicine)

Psychological support for people with a physical health condition

Who is this for?

• This leaflet is for people who are cared for by the Cardiology, Diabetes, Endocrinology or Gastroenterology teams at Whittington Health.
• Clinical Health Psychology (General Medicine) provides support for people who have a physical health condition.
• Your medical team may suggest a referral. You can also ask your medical team about this service yourself.

Why do we suggest psychology?

• Living with a physical health condition can affect more than your body.
• It can affect mood, sleep, stress levels, relationships, and how you feel about managing your condition day to day.
• Many people find this tricky at times, and it is a normal part of living with illness.
• Being offered support from a psychologist does not mean that anyone thinks your symptoms are ‘all in your mind’.
• It means there is support available to help you cope with the emotional and practical challenges of living with a health condition.

What does psychology treatment involve?

• The first appointment is a chance for you to tell us what has been happening and to think together about what might help.
• Sessions usually focus on a specific challenge, such as:
  • Getting used to a diagnosis or a change in your health
  • Managing worry or low mood linked to your health condition
  • Building confidence in managing your condition
  • Staying connected to the people and things that are important to you
  • Making sense of a difficult experience of illness or treatment.
• Some people find that one conversation is helpful.
• Others choose to have a short number of sessions, normally between 6-8.
• We will work with you to understand what is happening.
• We will help you find ways to manage your situation that work for you.

How are referrals made?

• Referrals come from your consultant, specialist nurse or specialist team rather than directly from you or your GP.
• If you think psychology might be helpful, do raise it with your team and they will consider it with you.
• There is usually a wait after you are referred.

What happens when you are referred?

• You will receive a phone call or letter inviting you to be seen by a psychologist.
• If you would like an assessment, please let the Clinical Health Psychology team know within two weeks of the date on that letter.
• If we do not hear from you, you will be discharged. Your team can refer you again at any point.
• Once you are accepted to our service, you will be placed on the assessment waiting list and we will contact you as soon as an appointment becomes available.
• Please let us know if you need an interpreter.
• If you cannot attend an appointment, please let the team know as early as possible.

What don’t we provide?

• We do not provide long-term therapy.
• We also do not provide:
  • Urgent or crisis support
  • Psychiatric assessments
  • Advice about medication
  • Support for problems unrelated to your physical health condition.
• If you already see a mental health team or talking therapies service, it is usually best to continue with them.

Confidentiality

• What you share with us is confidential and kept within your NHS records.
• We may send a brief letter to the team that referred you and your GP.
• This helps keep your care joined up. Please do ask us if you have any questions about this.
• If we are concerned about your safety or someone else’s safety, we will talk to you about who we may need to contact.
• Whether or not you decide to have some psychology treatment does not make any difference to the medical care you receive.

How do I find out more?

You can speak to the team treating you, or contact us directly:
Clinical Health Psychology (General Medicine)
Old Nurses Home, 1st Floor, Whittington Hospital, Highgate Hill, London N19 5NF
Telephone: 020 7527 1538 Tuesday to Wednesday 8.30am to 4.50pm and Thursday 8.30am to 11.45am
Email: whh-tr.chpgm@nhs.net

If you need urgent help

We are not a crisis service. If you feel you are in crisis, or at risk of harming yourself, please contact your GP, call NHS 111, or in an emergency go to your nearest A&E. You can also call Samaritans free, at any time, on 116 123.