Referral and assessment

You can be referred to our service by a GP or other health professional, or you can self-refer. We will aim to meet you for an assessment within two weeks of the referral. We use the assessment to get to know you and to decide with you and your support network how best to help. If you are taken on by our team we can offer some or all of the following:

Medication and physical health monitoring

Medication can be used to alleviate psychotic symptoms. Before starting medication, your healthcare professional will conduct a health check and discuss possible medication options with you. They will determine the appropriate type, dosage, and duration based on your specific needs. Regular monitoring ensures the medication is working as intended and to manage any potential side effects.

Psychological therapy

Psychological therapies, sometimes called talking therapies, involve talking to a trained professional about your feelings and thoughts and how these affect your behaviour and well-being. The method or type of approach may vary depending on the individual, but the aim of talking therapy is to help you understand your experiences, develop coping strategies and improve your quality of life. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for psychosis (CBTp) and Family Intervention are recommended as evidence-based therapies for psychosis.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Psychosis (CBTp)

CBTp is recommended for individuals experiencing distressing symptoms such as hearing voices or having unusual experiences. It focuses on understanding how individuals interpret their symptoms and why certain interpretations may cause them distress. CBTp encourages you to explore alternative ways of understanding these experiences. Changing your perspective on these experiences can lead to changes in how you feel and behave. Overall, CBTp can help you to reduce your distress and work towards meaningful personal goals.

Family Intervention

Family intervention is designed to support both individuals experiencing psychosis and their families. After a psychotic episode, families often take on new caregiving roles, which can be challenging and stressful. Sessions aim to educate families about psychosis, improve communication, reduce stress, and teach problem-solving strategies. The ultimate goal is to create a supportive home environment, enhance family functioning, and promote the recovery and well-being of the individual with psychosis.

Practical support

Assistance can be offered with practical issues such as receiving financial support, securing accommodation, and accessing activities and groups in the community. This can also be a valuable time to work towards personal goals and consider what is important for you in your recovery process.

Employment Support Service

The Employment Support Service at Somerset Foundation Trust offers support to individuals receiving treatment from specialist mental health services. Employment specialists within the service can assist you in finding and sustaining employment or training opportunities within your chosen field. The service works closely with various employers and other agencies, including JobCentre Plus.

Peer workers

Peer workers are individuals with lived experience of mental health challenges. They draw upon and share their own experiences to connect with and support service users. Their aim is to provide practical assistance, help you access the right support, and support you to engage with your local community to build your confidence and skills. Peer workers can inspire hope, help you reclaim control over your life and start your personal recovery journey.

Family support

Research suggests that the family of a person experiencing psychosis plays a critical role in aiding their recovery. Therefore, offering family support and guidance is a valuable part of the treatment process. Raising awareness among family members and friends can also be an important tool in preventing relapse.

Hospitalisation

Most individuals experiencing a psychotic episode are treated either at home or in the community by relevant mental health professionals. This helps reduce any distress and disruption to you. However, there are times when hospitalisation may be deemed necessary and is in your best interests. This can allow for further investigations and more detailed observations to be conducted and can often be a ‘turning point’ in getting back on track with recovery, as well as helping to keep people safe when they are acutely unwell. We always aim to work with people as collaboratively as possible and compulsory hospital admission is always a last resort.

Visit the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) website for more information on treatment and interventions.