Primary Care Mental Health Teams bridge the gap between Talking Therapies (formerly known as IAPT) and community mental health services. They are composed of professionals who provide triage, assessment, signposting, referral and brief interventions for individuals with common mental health concerns. Their collaborative approach ensures that patients receive holistic and personalised care in a timely manner.
To access mental health support, individuals must be aged 18 or older and be registered with a GP in either Sandwell, Dudley, Walsall, or Wolverhampton. The primary care mental health team isn’t suitable for those who need immediate crisis intervention or pose an immediate risk to themselves or others. Additionally, they should not already be receiving treatment from secondary mental health services, with the exception of outpatient care.
Primary Care Mental Health Nurses
A Mental Health Nurse, also known as a Mental Health Practitioner, or Mental Health Professional, supports patients by providing essential mental health care within a primary healthcare setting. They assess, and offer short-term interventions for the individual to develop skills in managing a wide range of mental health concerns that are tailored to each individual's needs. They also collaborate with other healthcare professionals, educate patients about managing their conditions, and play a vital role in promoting mental health awareness and early intervention.
Mental Health Practitioner
Mental Health Practitioners, also known as ‘First Contact Practitioners or ARRS Workers’ are based in local GP surgeries. They will be able to direct you to the most appropriate mental health support to meet your needs in a timely and safe manner. They can connect you with support provided in your local community and help bridge the gap between primary and secondary care.
Support provided by a Primary Care Mental Health Team can be accessed in several ways. You can self-refer to your GP or ask for an appointment with a Mental Health Practitioner based at your local GP surgery. Alternatively, you can get in touch via our 24/7 helpline by calling Freephone 0800 008 6516, or by contacting our Talking Therapies service, or by contacting any of our voluntary sector partners.
Across our four boroughs, we provide psychological therapy services for people experiencing common mental health problems such as low mood, anxiety, stress and depression.
To find out more about what each service provides in your area and how to refer, click on the link below: https://www.blackcountryhealthcare.nhs.uk/talking-therapies
The Recovery College provides a supportive educational learning environment for people who have an interest in, or personal challenges with mental health. The courses celebrate successes, building on your skills, strengths and strategies.
Contact:
Email: info@therecoverycollege.co.uk
Telephone: 0121 543 4061
There are community directories available in Walsall, Sandwell, Dudley and Wolverhampton. Click your area below to find out more.
Sandwell: https://www.sandwell.gov.uk/directory/11/information_point
Wolverhampton: https://win.wolverhampton.gov.uk/kb5/wolverhampton/directory/home.page
Dudley: https://dudleyci.co.uk/
Walsall: https://www.wcld.co.uk/kb5/walsall/asch/home.page
If you are a member of staff working for Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust you can also access the Primary Care Mental Health Service contact details page on the staff intranet.