Camden: free online cognitive behavioural therapy now available

For the first time, NHS patients in Camden suffering with anxiety and depression can access innovative and highly effective cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), all without having to step outside the front door or visit a GP.

PsychologyOnline’s unique text-based CBT allows you to have one-on-one sessions with an experienced, fully qualified therapist online in real-time. It is clinically proven to be highly effective in the treatment of a range of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder.  

The service was developed to increase flexibility and access to therapy: there are no waiting lists, appointments can be booked for any day or time, and each session can take place anywhere to suit you. All you require is a computer or smartphone and a reliable internet connection.

If you are feeling anxious or depressed, but are either unable to access face-to-face CBT or prefer to try a more discreet service that can fit around your lifestyle, you can be referred to PsychologyOnline following the instructions below.  

Here are some of the questions we are often asked:-

What is CBT?

CBT focuses on developing strategies for tackling unhelpful thoughts and feelings that can affect how we feel.

CBT has a strong evidence-base for addressing specific problems and it is often offered to treat depression and a range of anxiety problems.

CBT focuses on your current problems and looks for practical ways to help you to overcome your problems on a daily basis. It aims to help you identify and break unhelpful cycles or patterns in thinking, feeling and behaving.

Who can benefit from CBT?

CBT can help people with depression and anxiety problems.  This includes anxiety disorders such as persistent worry, panic attacks and post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and obsessive compulsive disorder.

CBT is also helpful in treating many other conditions, including: chronic fatigue, chronic pain, physical symptoms without a medical diagnosis and sleep difficulties.

What is online CBT?

PsychologyOnline provides CBT where people communicate with their therapist online using instant messaging during each pre-arranged session. There is no video or audio; the therapy takes the form of a written conversation. The writing process is a very helpful part of the therapy as it helps to re-train your thinking, and you will have a written transcript to read later to help regain the benefit.

The secure website is simple to use; all you need is a smartphone or computer and an internet connection. PsychologyOnline has a Patient Engagement Team that you can call in advance of your sessions to help with any technical queries you might have.

You can book an appointment when it is convenient to you, including evenings and weekends, and you can choose to have the session at home so you don’t need to travel.  

Why is Camden introducing online therapy?

The NHS wants to offer patient choice and also increase access to therapy so patients who have problems getting to face-to-face appointments – perhaps because they work, have young children or are disabled - don’t need to travel. 

Who can access the service?

You can refer yourself to the service (you must live in Camden or be registered with a GP there) or you can ask your GP for a referral. You must be aged 18 or over. You can access the service without telling your GP.

How can I access the service? 

Visit www.psychologyonline.co.uk/camden or call 01954 230 066. Alternatively, contact your GP and ask for a referral to PsychologyOnline (they are an IAPT provider).

PsychologyOnline will need some registration details from you. PsychologyOnline will then send details on how to get started and you will be contacted by your therapist to arrange your first appointment at your convenience.

Some tips for coping with postnatal depression

However much you may have prepared and planned for a baby, no one can quite prepare you for what life will be like once it has arrived.

We know feeling low, tearful or tired in the first few weeks after giving birth, is common. If you have been feeling sad or low in mood continuously for three weeks or more, it could be postnatal depression (PND), says Sarah Bateup a psychological therapist and clinical lead at PsychologyOnline.

One in seven mothers will experience postnatal depression and many suffer needlessly because they are too embarrassed or afraid to admit they need help, explains Sarah. It's a common misconception that you would show symptoms immediately, but the reality is you can develop the condition any time within the first year after the baby is born, and even on some occasions can develop later.

Signs to look out for include a loss of pleasure and enjoyment in things and avoidance of activities you would normally enjoy. Often mothers showing signs of PND worry excessively, panic and find it hard to be reassured.

Self help tips for PND

Here are some of the self help tips mentioned by participants in the webinar that PsychologyOnline hosted to discuss the best ways to support women with PND.

• Feeling low after having a baby is normal, it is helpful to try and remember this
• Talk to someone – family, friends or professionals can all help in different ways.
• Talk to other mothers about their feelings and experiences and be honest about your own – you will find other mothers who feel/felt very similarly.
• Taking a bit of time for yourself is important, so you remember that you are not just a mother
• Don’t feel the need to pretend that you are doing well – allow yourself to acknowledge whatever feelings you have and try and invite others to show their support
• The sooner you ask for help, the sooner you will recover, so always ask if you find yourself with any symptoms.
• You will not be judged on your ability as a mother – postnatal depression is common.
• Cognitive behavioural therapy can be very beneficial for PND and online therapy is confidential, accessible and does not require you to leave the house for appointments. 
• You use instant messaging to receive your therapy and appointments can be taken from home at anytime which is particularly beneficial for those with a small baby.

Many of the participants mentioned the benefit of 'talking therapy' also known as cognitive behavioural therapy.  The benefit of the online therapy provided by PsychologyOnline is that it can be  accessed at home, over the internet, using a computer or mobile phone.

PsychologyOnline is increasingly available free to NHS patients and if you have a GP in Camden or West Kent you can self refer for treatment.

Where online therapy is not available on the NHS online therapy is available without GP referral through Thinkwell (www.thinkwell.co.uk) where people can purchase sessions directly.

If you would like to find out more about PND PsychologyOnline has prepared a presentation on YouTube http://bit.ly/1sFhuw5