Talking Health: Healthcare professionals page

Our Talking Health team help patients living with long term physical health conditions who are also experiencing common mental health problems. The team is focused on early intervention to improve wellbeing and reduce the wider impact of untreated mental health difficulties on physical health outcomes.

• Our Talking Health clinicians can provide evidence-based treatment for common mental health difficulties such as anxiety, depression, worry and panic, delivered in the context of long term physical health challenges. This is available in one-to-one appointments, which can take place face-to-face, over the phone or by video call.
• We also offer a six week Living well with a long term condition group - a supportive course for patients wanting to better understand and manage the emotional impact of chronic illness
• Our IBS workshop is also available as a one of session for patients to attend. This focuses on the link between gut health, stress and mood, with helpful information and suggestions for managing symptoms
• Online self-help can also be accessed, offering flexible, structured support that patients can access at their own pace. This is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• Integrated working with NHS physical health teams wherever possible, ensuring joined up care for patients  
• Brief, goal focused interventions tailored to the mental health needs of people managing (complex) just ‘physical’ instead of complex long term conditions

We are not trained to help with:

• People experiencing a mental health crisis (if the patient needs emergency mental health support, please visit the Devon Partnership NHS Trust website)
• People who have plans or intent to significantly harm themselves, or other people, or who have recently harmed themselves or others
• People whose primary problem relates to an ongoing abusive relationship or a very unstable home environment
• People who are rough sleeping
• People who are waiting for, or are already receiving, help from a specialist mental health service such as a Community Mental Health Team
• People with a need for marriage guidance or relationship counselling
• Problem gambling or other addictions (for support with gambling, please visit the South West Gambling Service)

We are also CANNOT help people with:

• Bipolar disorder or cyclothymia
• Psychosis or schizophrenia
• Symptoms of a personality disorder
• Anorexia and other restrictive eating disorders
• Dementia
• A severe learning disability
• Dependence on drugs and/or alcohol
• Very complex post-traumatic stress disorder
• Difficulties with emotional regulation, anger and/or impulsive behaviour
• Sexual dysfunction