If I’m referred, or if I refer myself, what happens next?
If we receive a referral from you, you’re GP, or other health professional, we will contact you to arrange a telephone assessment appointment.
What will happen at the first meeting?
The first appointment will be for an assessment. This will be conducted over the phone. You will have the opportunity to talk about your difficulties. This helps us decide whether you need the kind of help this service offers. You will also have an opportunity to ask questions. At the end of this meeting, we will let you know what will happen next. The therapist will communicate the outcome of the assessment to you, the person who referred you, and your GP.
Will I have to pay?
No. Talk Wandsworth is a NHS service
If I am offered treatment what can I expect from my worker and what is expected of me?
You can expect regular sessions with the same worker. During sessions you will work together to help you reach your goals. In your sessions you will develop ideas for things you can try outside the sessions – putting things into practice between sessions will be an important part of therapy. You will be expected to attend your sessions and to let your worker know in advance if, for any reason, you are unable to attend. If you miss the occasional appointment (e.g. if you are unwell or have childcare problems), then your worker may be able to rearrange them. However, if many appointments are missed, or you do not let us know in advance, then therapy may have to stop and your treatment episode may be closed.
Can I be seen outside office hours?
Yes, the service operates Monday to Thursday 8am to 8pm and Friday 9am to 5pm. We contract digital providers XYLA and IESO who can support with further out of hours provision for late evenings and weekend appointments.
Is the service confidential?
We have a legal duty to keep your information confidential. We routinely share information with your GP and other healthcare providers to give you the best possible care. We do not give other organisations information about you without your consent. However, if there are circumstances where you or someone else might be at risk of significant harm we may be required to share information without your consent. In these situations we must, by law, share information with other organisations. Information about your treatment is kept on a secure computer system. The information we keep is used as part of your treatment and also to see how we can improve our services. Any information included in reports about improving the service is anonymised so no details that could identify you are included. If you would like to see the information we have about you, please discuss this with the therapist you are working with.
What if English is not my main language?
This service is available to people who do not have English as their main language. We can arrange for an interpreter to attend therapy sessions.
What if I have a physical disability?
Please let us know in advance if you have any mobility problems which could cause any difficulties in keeping your appointment. We will try to make arrangements to overcome them.
Do you see older people?
Yes, we will see adults over the age of 18 and welcome referrals from older people.
I need more information about the service
Please call us if you would like more details about our service and the therapies we provide: 020 3513 6264
