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Therapists Faye Booker (left) and Emily Shipp |
Free therapy for all to help kick recession depression
NHS support just a phone call away – no need for referral from doctors
PSYCHIATRIC assessments have been made available to everybody in Camden amid predictions of a major surge in cases of depression and anxiety disorders caused by the economic gloom.
In a pioneering new scheme launched by health chiefs yesterday (Wednesday), anybody who thinks they may be suffering from psychological problems will be able to pick up the phone and speak to a NHS specialist to book an appointment – without the need to visit a GP for referral.
Health chiefs are frank about the likelihood that they could be inundated with calls as Camden already has statistically one of the highest levels of depression in the country – one in six working adults in the borough suffer from depression.
Speaking at a packed launch event of the new Camden Psychological Therapies Service at Ort House in Camden Town yesterday (Wednesday), project leader and psychologist, Judy Leibowitz, said: “In the current economic climate, it is of great importance that we offer new ways of helping people with mental health problems.
“People are expected to experience depression or anxiety about losing work and the difficulties in gaining employment.
“That is why it is so important to have a specific resource linked to employment support – we need to ensure access for a wider range of people.”
While other areas in the country have piloted the idea of self-referrals, Camden is the first place where the scheme is up and running.
Ms Leibowitz added: “We would encourage anyone who feels that their life is badly affected by these problems to contact us to find out what is available to meet their needs.”
Thirty extra therapists have been hired and will be stationed in surgeries, libraries and employment advice centres across Camden.
The team have been trained to work with interpreters and health chiefs think they can reach out to more than 4,000 new patients through the scheme.
The Department of Health and NHS Camden have secured a £1.6million annual funding package.
Project ambassador Dr Lucia Grun said: “Self-referral is particularly important because we know that are a lot of people out there that do not feel confident talking to doctors for a number of reasons.
“It can be because of the age, colour, sexuality or class of the doctor.
“We are hoping to pull in different groups of people. We are aware that we may find extra need and we will get really busy.”
Rebecca Harrington, NHS Camden’s director of commissioning, added: “In Camden, there is a very high level of need. There is an awful lot of psychological distress.
“The council and the PCT recognise this and we hope to reach out to minority communities that tend to think psychotherapy is not for them.”
Unlike private therapy treatment, which can be broad ranging, the PCT is offering support packages designed to solve specific problems. “We want to help patients help themselves,” a spokeswoman said.
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