If you would like to access primary care mental health support in the Sunderland area then there is a partnership provision, meaning that you contact one organisation (a Single Point of Access) who will take your referral, complete an initial assessment and discuss arranging appropriate support. This is NHS Sunderland Talking Therapies (a partnership between CNTW, Sunderland Counselling Service, Sunderland Mind and Washington Mind).
Counselling is provided across the City delivered by Washington Mind, Sunderland Counselling Service and Sunderland Mind. To access support through these organisations there is a single point of access which you can reach (via NHS Sunderland Talking Therapes) which is explained in more detail in the pathway shown below.
Step 1: Contacting Sunderland IAPT to make a referral
You can access support by calling 0191 566 5454. The telephone referral line is open Monday to Friday between the hours of 9-5.
Alternatively, you can fill in an online self-referral form
Step 2: Initial telephone appointment is arranged
The telephone triage will take approximately 30 minutes. It is important that you are in a quiet and confidential place where you can talk freely.
The therapist will ask you some questions about how you are currently feeling and this will help to work out if IAPT is the right service for you and if so which treatment may be most helpful.
Step 3: Treatment is matched to the support you need
NHS Sunderland Talking Therapies follow the ’matched care model’, which means we will offer you an evidence based treatment (as per NICE guidelines) that is recommended for the difficulties you are experiencing.
There are a range of different treatments for people with mild to moderate common mental health problems as described here
We may refer you for counselling to one of our partner organisations:
Step 4: Waiting for an appointment and helping yourself
While you are deciding or waiting for an appointment you may want to start looking at what you can do yourself. Click here for a range of self help materials.