Most Mental Health problems are usually treated by GPs in primary care. They may suggest some form of self help using local resources, perhaps through exercise therapy or finding out more information about your condition.
The GP’s will also have a wide range of counselling and advice programmes that they may refer you to.
Other support programmes are also available from local voluntary organisations like MIND and self help groups.
For further information please contact your local Community Mental Health Team
You can also find information in the Mental Health Resource Directory which is in your local library.
People with more critical mental health problems may be referred by their GP to the local Community Mental Health Team (CMHT) or to other services provided by the Northamptonshire Healthcare Trust in partnership with Community Services, Northampton County Council.
The CMHT will contact you to arrange an initial appointment to discuss with you your difficulties and how you might be helped. This will include advice and information and a decision will be made about further support to be provided by the CMHT or, alternatively, whether your GP will be continuing your care. You will receive a letter afterwards confirming what was agreed.
The CMHT and other services can be contacted for advice and information. In exceptional circumstances, if a referral through the GP is not possible, an Initial Screening Assessment appointment may be offered by the CMHT.
Services are provided within the Care Programme Approach (CPA) where:
- You have the right to a thorough assessment of health and social care needs, the development of a care plan and review of the care plan with the designated care co-ordinator.
- Your involvement in both the standard and enhanced CPA is essential.
- You have the right to express your culture, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, religion, political affiliation and particular lifestyle choices.
- You have the right to independent advocacy in all aspects of the CPA.
- You have the right to request a change of your co-ordinator. The organisation will make the best possible effort to offer you choice and alternatives where possible.
- Provider services should enable you to have access to information in order to be able to make informed choices about your care.
- There should be an agreement about the purpose of any intervention and the anticipated outcome within estimated time scales. A review date should be set and all documentation must be accessible to you. You will be required to sign your care plan and a copy will be provided for you.
- You must be informed of any information that is to be shared between agencies.
- You should participate in Care Programme reviews. If you request a review all possible effort must be made by the organisation to see you at a time suitable for yourself.
NHS works in partnership with GPs and primary care to provide the most effective range of treatments, care and support possible. They also work with a wide range of voluntary agencies, local housing providers and other local services to assist people in their recovery from mental distress.