Self referral for mood disorders

I had news this week that our patients are now able to self-refer for psychological treatment of anxiety and depression. The self-referral system for physiotherapy has been very helpful so extending into mental health areas should be too.
If you wanted just a quick reference on helping yourself they have a leaflet you can download here.


I've lifted a few bits from their leaflet to post here.
It doesn't really make it clear here that if you are already undergoing treatment with the mental health services then self-referral isn't appropriate.
They also would prefer that if you are low or anxious during pregnancy and seeking help that you go to your GP initially.
Common sense suggests that if you are significantly ill with mental health problems then this route of referral would not be appropriate initially either.
Veterans and those with a complex history of childhood abuse should really start with their GP also.




The Depression and Anxiety service is a primary care service delivering evidenced based psychological interventions in line with NICE guidance.
These include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement, Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Applied Relaxation.
Psychological interventions take place both in a group setting and via individual sessions.




The service is for people in the South and West of Devon who are 18 years and over.


Our team is able to help you with the following:
• Panic attacks
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Excessive worry
• Social anxiety/shyness
• Phobias
• Post traumatic stress disorder
• Agoraphobia




Your GP can refer you or you can refer yourself and we will let your GP know.
You can refer yourself by phoning 01626 357260.
Outside of office hours there is an answerphone. Please leave your name and contact details and we will phone you back.
You can email on:  tr.southandwestdevondas@nhs.net


We will talk to you about your difficulties and agree with you the best way forward.
We can refer you on to other services and give you telephone numbers of alternative treatment options.


We aim to see everyone within four weeks of referral and the initial appointment will take approximately 30 - 40 minutes.






We will look at treatment options with you which are based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
This looks at the way that thoughts, feelings and behaviours interact, sometimes in a helpful, and sometimes in an unhelpful way.


We provide a choice of help that includes:
• Working with you to identify the difficulty you are having
•  Help you in deciding where to start
•  Recommending reading that would be helpful for you
•  Providing information about other local resources that might be helpful for you
•  Identifying thoughts and actions which may be unhelpful for you
•  Identifying strengths and support to draw on
•  Guidance in setting realistic goals and support in achieving them
•  Providing support through self management programmes that have proven to be effective
•  Group work and/or individual therapy.


We also offer Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR).
This is a specific treatment for people who have experienced a trauma.