Mental Health Advice

Mental Health Support for Children and Young People

The Sussex Mental Health Line call handlers have received additional training to triage children, and young people and they are able to advise parents and professionals who have concerns or queries regarding mental health and wellbeing of young people. Helpline staff are supported by an experienced practitioner during the 24/7 operating hours.

Sussex Mental Health Line: 0800 0309 500

https://www.sussexpartnership.nhs.uk/sussex-mental-healthline

NHS Talking Therapies

Talking therapies, or psychological therapies, are effective and confidential treatments delivered by fully trained and accredited NHS practitioners. They can help with common mental health problems like stress, anxiety and depression.

Who can have talking therapies on the NHS?

You need to be registered with a GP to get talking therapies on the NHS, but you do not need a referral from a GP. You can refer yourself directly to an NHS psychological therapies service (IAPT) on line.

https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-psychological-therapies-service/

You need to be aged 18 or over. Some services offer treatment for young people aged 16 and 17, but you need to check this with individual services.

What can talking therapies help with?

You do not need to have a diagnosed mental health problem to refer yourself to an NHS psychological therapies service (IAPT).

You may be:

having panic attacks
struggling with flashbacks and nightmares
feeling low and hopless

Perhaps you're finding it hard to cope with work, life or relationships.

Other things that talking therapies can help with include:

constant worrying
obsessive thoughts or behaviours
fear of social situations

For more information go to: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/free-therapy-or-counselling/