Is your service free?

Yes, our service is entirely free for all residents of Newham or those with a GP in Newham. We are here to provide accessible mental health support at no cost to you.

Are there lots of forms to fill in?

No, if you refer to us online, a brief form with your details is required for us to contact you and schedule a first appointment. During each session, a short questionnaire will be provided to help guide your treatment. If forms are challenging, our team is available to assist you.

How do I schedule an appointment?

To schedule an appointment, you will first have to refer to our service and have an initial consultation with one of our therapists. You can complete our self-referral form, or contact us via email at elft.NTT-Referrals@nhs.net. If you prefer a phone conversation, call us Monday to Friday, 9 am–5 pm, at 0208 175 1770. Additionally, your GP can provide advice on talking therapies and can refer you to us on your behalf.

Do you offer support outside regular working hours?

We understand the challenges of fitting therapy into busy schedules and we try to accommodate as much as possible. We offer most of our appointments from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday. If required, we are also able to offer evening appointments from 5:00pm – 8:00pm Monday – Thursday and early morning appointments at 8:00am during the week.

How will you contact me?

We prioritize your confidentiality and will use your preferred method of communication, whether it's phone, text, email, or letters. Please let us know your preference when you first refer to us. Please note that our calls come from a withheld number.

Can you visit me in my home?

Unfortunately, we don't provide home visits, but if leaving the house is challenging, we also offer support via phone or video call through Microsoft Teams.

What if I can't make the appointment?

Contact us as soon as possible to cancel. A new appointment can then be made for you in line with the services cancellation and DNA policy.

What happens at my first appointment?

At your initial appointment a therapist will discuss your current difficulties and explain the most suitable treatment options. Following the assessment, we will get back to you within a few days to confirm your treatment package.

What types of therapy do you offer?

Newham Talking Therapies offers short term evidence-based interventions, predominantly based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) principles. We also offer some Relational therapies, Mindfulness and EMDR. We will discuss which therapy may be most useful for you after your initial appointment.

Do you offer remote or online therapy options?

We provide flexibility in therapy delivery, offering both face-to-face and remote appointments. You can choose from telephone sessions, video calls through Microsoft Teams, or typed therapy. Please inform us of your preference during your initial appointment.

How frequently will I need to attend sessions?

In most cases, a commitment to one session per week is typical. If you find it challenging to commit regularly, please reach out, and we'll discuss alternative options

Can I choose my therapist?

While we can't guarantee a specific therapist, we do take into consideration your preference for a male or female therapist in certain circumstances.

How long does therapy typically last?

As a short-term service, we typically offer an initial set of 6 sessions. If you and your therapist agree on the need for an extension, this can usually be arranged. The duration of sessions varies, lasting from 30 minutes to 90 minutes, depending on the type of therapy.

How long is the wait?

We understand the importance of timely mental health support. We aim to provide an initial assessment within two weeks of referral. Following the assessment, there may be a wait involved before starting therapy, but we strive to offer regular appointments as promptly as possible. We have a number of different types of support that can be access while you are waiting for your therapy to begin. Please contact your assigned therapist if you wish to discuss this further.

What about confidentiality?

Confidentiality is a priority in our service. Information shared with our team is kept confidential unless we have concerns about the safety and well-being of children, immediate safety (yours or others), recent or historical crimes, or plans for criminal activities. In such cases, we will discuss the situation with senior team members and may involve other agencies if necessary. Whenever possible, we will communicate with you about these concerns first. Information shared with partner agencies strictly adheres to confidentiality policies.

Will my work/employer find out?

No, we only contact you and your GP about your care.

What if I dont speak English or it is my second language?

We provide support for individuals who do not speak English. Our team includes multilingual therapists, and we can also arrange for an interpreter. Additionally, we offer materials in various languages.

What if I use sign language to communicate?

If you are deaf, we can arrange for a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter to be present during your appointments. For BSL talking therapies, you may find further information at SIGNHEALTH.

Support for Asylum Seekers and Refugees

We often work with asylum seekers and refugees. If you have a GP or live in Newham, we can offer therapy tailored to your needs.

Support for Long-Term Health Conditions Our services often assist individuals managing long-term health conditions impacting daily life. Specialized therapists and support groups are available to provide support for those facing such challenges.

Support for Parents

We understand the challenges of balancing therapy with parenting responsibilities. If you have a child under 1 year who needs your attention, feel free to bring them along to your therapy session. Additionally, we provide specialised therapy groups designed to address the unique needs of parents.

Support for People with Disabilities

Our service is committed to accessibility and inclusivity. Please inform us of any specific needs during your initial contact and we will ensure our support meets your requirements.

Guidance for Relatives

Unfortunately, we cannot accept referrals from relatives due to confidentiality. If you have a family member seeking assistance, kindly direct them to our website for detailed information on our services and how we can offer support.

Can you recommend additional resources?

Visit our website for helpful links to mental health organisations, self-help materials, and community workshops. We hope this information helps. Feel free to reach out with any further questions or concerns via telephone 0208 175 1770 or email elft.NTT-Enquiries@nhs.net .