Service will support local people with mental health issues
A new talking therapies service has launched in Merton to support people with mental health issues.
The Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) service provides support and help for people who are experiencing mild to moderate/severe mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, low mood and stress.
Services will include a range of NHS evidence-based interventions and treatments, such as counselling, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and group work.
The free and confidential service is available for people who are registered with a GP in Merton and can be accessed at a number of GP practices and community venues.
NHS Merton Clinical Commissioning Group awarded the new contract to ThinkAction, part of Addaction, to provide innovative mental health services in the London Borough of Merton.
Dr Andrew Otley, Clinical Director for Mental Health at Merton CCG, said: "There will be times when we find it hard to deal with emotions or experiences on our own, so please remember that help is available. Our talking therapies service can help you develop ways of coping, be more in control and find ways to overcome stress, low moods or emotional difficulties."
"The service is absolutely free, so anyone who needs it can access it. You can either self-refer or speak to your GP who can refer you."
The service is called MIAPT and is based on the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT), an NHS programme that offers interventions approved by the National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) for treating people with depression and anxiety.
Provided by ThinkAction, formerly KCA, the service has been supporting people with their mental health and wellbeing since 1975. ThinkAction is a subsidiary of Addaction, one of the leading national charities providing evidence-based support for mental health, substance misuse and family services across the UK.
People can either self-refer for confidential treatment directly or speak to their GP who can refer them to the service. For more information visit thinkaction.org.uk/miapt or call 020 3823 9063.
Merton CCG awarded the new contract to ThinkAction, part of national charity Addaction, to provide innovative mental health services in the London Borough of Merton.
October 4, 2015