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Needs that TALKWORKS can and can't meet

Find out more about our service

At TALKWORKS we try to help as many people as possible who are struggling with a common mental health problem. We are an NHS Talking Therapies service, and we offer psychological therapy to adults (age 18+) across Devon (outside Plymouth).

Our therapists and counsellors are able to help people who have a wide range of mental health difficulties. These include:

  • Low mood, depression and sleep difficulties
  • Anxiety (social anxiety and health anxiety), worry, stress, panic attacks and phobias
  • Mild/moderate bulimia and binge eating disorder
  • Obsessive compulsive disorder
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder
  • Prolonged grief
  • Work-related stress

We offer treatment to new and expecting parents, and emotional support for adults living with a long term health condition via our specialist Talking Health Team. Our clinicians also work with people who are struggling with managing the emotional and physical side effects of the menopause.

TALKWORKS, however, is not a specialist mental health service and we cannot help people who have some mental health difficulties. A different, specialist service will have the right skills and experience to support someone with more complex or severe mental health problems.

TALKWORKS IS NOT THE RIGHT SERVICE FOR EVERYONE

TALKWORKS cannot help:

  • People experiencing a mental health crisis or in immediate distress (please see our emergency mental health support page for further information on this)
  • People who may seriously harm themselves or others around them
  • People living in an abusive or unstable home environment (it is unlikely that the therapies we can provide will meet the person’s needs)
  • People currently receiving care from a specialist mental health service
  • People who have a diagnosis of, or are struggling with symptoms of:
    • bi-polar disorder and cyclothymia
    • psychosis or schizophrenia
    • anorexia
    • dementia
    • moderate/severe learning disability
    • unstable substance (drug and/or alcohol) use or dependence
    • complex post-traumatic stress disorder
    • difficulties with relationships or emotional regulation
    • complex emotional needs

If you are struggling with any of the needs or difficulties noted above that we are unable to help with, we would recommend that you speak to your GP about other services that may be better placed to support you.


Your experience with us

Your feedback matters

“The therapy gently supported me to both understand and come to terms with my diagnosis and how it has impacted on me as a person for so many years. I felt I could be open and honest in a very safe space. I not only feel better, I understand myself better too.”

“I was apprehensive about using the service thinking I wasn't "bad" enough but a talk to the cardiac group by a TALKWORKS practitioner gave me confidence to self-refer. I was referred with respect and taken seriously throughout, felt safe and was given tools and advice to help myself take control of my situation.”

“I could not fault the service I received. I was listened to and given so many different resources to help my anxiety and depression. I was so very low a year ago but with the amazing support from my therapist I feel more and more myself every day. Thank you TALKWORKS.”