Appointments are offered to the person living with the health condition. If you would like a family member to be involved, you can discuss this with your clinician.

People come to the service for a range of difficulties linked to living with a physical health condition, including:

• Ongoing low mood
• Ongoing anxiety
• Reduced quality of life
• Difficulties managing a health condition
• Distressing or traumatic treatment experiences
• Adjusting to changes in health
• Feeling burnt out or exhausted from managing their condition

Your first appointment is an assessment. This involves talking with you about the difficulties you are experiencing and what you would like to get from the service. This helps decide how we can best support you and whether this is the right time to begin psychological support.

If it is felt that another service would better meet your needs, this will be discussed with you and we will help arrange a referral where possible.

If you and your clinician agree that this service is right for you, you will agree an initial number of appointments. Appointments usually last 50–60 minutes and may be in person or by video call. Group sessions are also available.

We aim to offer appointments only when they are needed. Your progress will be reviewed regularly, and when you have made enough progress, you will be discharged from the service. This will always be discussed with you.

If you feel that therapy is not helping, or progress is limited, this will also be discussed so you can decide together whether to continue.

You are encouraged to raise any concerns or questions with your clinician at any time.

As demand for the service is high, please let us know as soon as possible if you cannot attend an appointment or no longer wish to continue.

Confidentiality and information sharing

We handle your information in line with data protection laws (GDPR). When you are offered an appointment, you will be given information about how your details are used. You can also find this information on our website.

View Protecting your personal information.

How will I be notified about an appointment?

After you are referred to the service, you will receive a letter to confirm you are on the waiting list. When an appointment is available, you will be contacted and asked to book a suitable time.

How to contact us

Clinical Health Psychology Services, 60 Steeple Road, Antrim BT41 2RJ

• Telephone: 028 9441 3127
• Email: CHPGeneral@northerntrust.hscni.net

You can get in touch with the service Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm.