A TALKING therapy service for people who need help dealing with anxiety and depression has been developed and is now available in Comet country. Under the new service, created through the collaboration of GPs and Hertfordshire s NHS Trust for mental healt
A TALKING therapy service for people who need help dealing with anxiety and depression has been developed and is now available in Comet country.
Under the new service, created through the collaboration of GPs and Hertfordshire's NHS Trust for mental health, each patient has an assessment within 10 days of the initial referral.
They can then choose to have their treatment in a combination of ways - with an NHS therapist in their GP's surgery, over the phone, or even using a special website.
This allows patients to fit their therapy around their busy lives, and remain in work while having treatment.
Most GP practices in Hertfordshire now offer the service, and by early 2010 there will be full coverage across the county.
Dr Tony Kostick, a Stevenage GP, said: "I am pleased to be able to offer my patients talking therapies, as mental health issues are often very difficult for people to talk about.
"Talking therapies enable us as GPs to help people with signs of anxiety and depression early, and provide them with the support and information they need, at what can be a very difficult time in their lives."
People who have been feeling depressed or anxious for some time should contact their GP in the first instance, and ask about a referral to the new service.
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