Asking for help with your mental health can feel hard. But health workers will not judge you. They will not think you are wasting their time. They will be happy you asked for help.
NHS Talking Therapies
The fastest and best way for most people is to refer yourself to NHS Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Talking Therapies (opens in a new tab).
- They offer free, proven treatments for many mental health problems.
- You can refer yourself online (opens in a new tab) or call 0300 300 0055.
- If you find it hard to refer yourself, your midwife or health worker can do it for you. This will not make your appointment come sooner.
Who is prioritised
- Parents of a child under 2 years old, including during pregnancy, get seen first.
- You should get your first appointment in 2 to 4 weeks.
- Most people start therapy 2 to 4 weeks after their first appointment.
- Sometimes, therapy type or timing may cause longer waits.
Do I need a diagnosis
No, you do not need a diagnosis to use the service.
What problems can Talking Therapies help with
- General anxiety
- Social anxiety
- Depression
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Sleep problems
- Health anxiety
- Stress
- Panic attacks
- Phobias
- Low confidence or low self-esteem
- Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
What therapies are offered
- Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
- Interpersonal therapy (IPT)
- Eye movement desensitisation reprocessing (EMDR)
- Mindfulness based cognitive therapy (MBCT)
- Guided self-help
- Wellbeing workshops
Therapy can be:
- Face to face
- Over the phone
- By video call
- By instant messaging
Most therapy is one-to-one. Group sessions are also available.
If I live outside Cambridgeshire and Peterborough
If your GP is not in Cambridgeshire, Fenland, Huntingdonshire, Peterborough, Royston, or Oundle, you can find your local service at Find NHS Talking Therapies (opens in a new tab).
Speak to your GP
You can also talk to your GP if you worry about your mental health.
- GPs can diagnose many common problems.
- They can give medication, which helps many people.
- Most mental health medicines are safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Your GP will help you choose what is best.
GPs can also:
- Watch how your mental health changes.
- Give advice for sleep and stress.
- Look at your overall health.
- Refer you to other services if you need them.
Perinatal mental health team
This team helps parents and birthing women with serious mental health problems during pregnancy and after birth.
- They offer checks, treatment, and ongoing care.
- Find out more here: CPFT perinatal service (opens in a new tab).
If you think you need this help, talk to your midwife, health visitor, or GP.
Perinatal trauma and loss service
This service helps parents who are having mental health problems after losing a baby in the last two years.
- Loss can happen anytime in pregnancy or the first year after birth.
- Psychologists run the service to support and treat you.
- If you need help, talk to maternity staff, health visitors, your GP, or other health workers.
Find out more here: Perinatal trauma and loss service (opens in a new tab).
Help in a crisis
If you need urgent help, visit:
Help in a crisis - CUH Rosie Hospital.