Serious mental health conditions can affect someone physically, psychologically and socially. We work across Somerset to provide specialist mental health services for working age adults living with severe, complex or enduring mental health conditions such as acute depression, psychosis, complex trauma or anxiety.
We have a range of roles in our teams including psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses, psychologists, therapists, psychological practitioners, occupational therapists, social workers, and peer support workers. We work closely with patients, families, carers, the voluntary sector, local authorities and GPs to agree individual needs and goals and support recovery.
Within our service we prioritise the following things:
- The potential need for imminent psychiatric admission
- A significant intent of suicide, self-harm, homicide or known relapse signature triggers
- Patients discharged from psychiatric inpatient service within last seven days
- Complex and/or unmanaged safeguarding issues
- Dual diagnosis of serious mental illness and substance misuse (chaotic use of drugs and alcohol)
- Severe self-neglect resulting in acute physical and or mental health concerns
- Titration of medication in accordance with national guidance
- Military veterans with severe and persistent mental health difficulties that are likely to be related to their service in the armed forces.
Following treatment and support, patients may be discharged back to the care of their GP or continue to receive treatment from our teams.
We see all new GP referrals within six weeks. GPs can also make emergency referrals where patients could be seen on the same day if needed.
For more detail about our services, such as eating disorders and employment support, please see our related pages.
How to access our service
Referrals to our service are made by a GP so patients are encouraged to make an initial appointment with their GP to discuss their needs.
Advice from those who have walked this path
Here is some advice from those who have gone through the experience of using mental health services before (known as experts by experience).
What can you access before and after your appointment:
We understand that there may be a wait for your appointment and that can make you feel isolated. Also, you may want to access resources after your appointment as well. Here are some resources available to you:
Before Your First Appointment
We understand that coming to your first appointment can feel daunting. You might be feeling anxious or overwhelmed, and that’s understandable. Taking this first step to seek support takes courage.
Our goal is to work with you, to understand what you’re going through and what kind of support might help. Your voice matters.
Understand the Purpose
One of our experts by experience who has been a patient of a mental health service said, ‘You don’t have to have everything figured out. You don’t need perfect words. Just showing up and being real is more than enough.’
These appointments are about meeting you and understanding how your mental health is impacting you now. It is a conversation – not a test so there are no right or wrong answers. You’ll be asked about how you’ve been feeling, what’s been happening in your life, and what you hope might change or improve.
We believe in working together. You can expect us to:
- Listen without judgement
- Explain things clearly
- Give you time to speak
- Aim to support your choices
- Help identify what matters most to you
What can it be helpful to think about?
Sometimes, it can be hard to say or know what would be helpful. But even saying what hasn’t worked before is useful.
You may want to reflect on:
- What’s been happening in your life lately
- Have you noticed any changes in your mood, sleep, appetite, or relationships?
- Are there particular worries, stresses, or triggers you’d like to share?
- What do you feel you need support with right now?
- How would you like things to feel different?
- What goals you would like to work towards?
What to bring
It may be helpful to bring:
- A supportive friend, family member
- Notes about any medication, previous support or even a short summary of your concerns if you are worried you will forget.
- Any questions you’d like to ask us
Grounding before you go and whilst in the waiting room
As mentioned before appointments may make you feel anxious. You can manage your feelings with techniques such as:
- Breathing slowly
- Holding a calming object (stone, crystal, cushion)
- Smelling something soothing (lavender, lemon oil)
- Listening to music that felt safe
- Fidget toys
- 5,4,3,2,1 technique
- Arriving slightly early (even just sitting in the car, on outside seating, or waiting room) can help you to feel more settled.
During your appointment: How we understand your mental health
We use a tool called a Dialog+ to help to understand how your mental health is impacting on your life and what goals you have. Here is a video which explains more details about the Dialog+.
We know that when people struggle with their mental health, many people may have thoughts of wanting to harm themselves or others. We work with you to create a personal plan, specific to your thoughts and behaviours, to help keep you and everyone around you safe. Example of a personal safety plan.
Our values and what you can expect from us:
- Safety: Your wellbeing is our priority. This is a safe space
- Trustworthiness: We’re committed to being open, honest and respectful.
- Choice: You are in control of what you share and the support you accept
- Collaboration: You are the expert in your own life so we are here to work with you.
- Empowerment: We’ll help to make informed decisions
- Inclusion: We aim to make our service accessible for those who need it.
- Responsiveness: Your needs matter we will listen and try our best to adapt to them.
After your appointment
First of all – thank you for attending your appointment today.
We know that talking about your mental health, can be emotional. Showing up, speaking honestly, and asking for help takes courage.
Be Gentle With Yourself
Sometimes after an appointment, you can feel tired and emotional. That is normal so give yourself permission to do nothing for a while or even sleep. It is okay to say no to people who may want your time.
Talk it Through (If You Want To)
If you have someone you trust, talking about the appointment can help bring your mind back into the present. You can even send a voice note to a friend just to say, I did it and this is how it went. And if you don’t want to talk that’s also okay.
If you feel that you want to talk to someone about how you are feeling after the appointment, but are unsure who to talk to you can always call Mindline on 01823 276892. Mindline is available 24/7 with a listening ear provided by trained staff and volunteers who will listen with kindness, understanding and without judgement.
You can also message SHOUT on 85258
Note down key points
During or after the appointment, you can always make some notes such as:
- What the clinician said that stood out
- What you agreed to or what they offered
- Any follow ups (blood tests, referrals, next appointment)
- Any emotions that arose or reflections you have
- Put your next appointment in your diary
You should be given/sent a copy of your Dialog care plan, so you can have a record of what was discussed and what the next steps are as well.
Plan something kind for yourself
Some people start doing something gentle after every appointment. Things that can help:
- Rewatching a comforting film or TV series
- Gaming
- A warm bath with music
- Going for a walk
- Just being in nature
- Crafting
- Sitting under a weighted blanket
- Sleeping
- Spending time with pets or loved one
Extra advice from our experts by experience
- You don’t need to be ‘ill enough’ to deserve help. If you’re struggling, that’s enough reason to reach out.
- It is okay to be scared
- It’s okay if you forget things, cry, or go quiet. The people you see are trained to support you through that.
- Your voice matters and if something doesn’t feel right, you’re allowed to speak up and/or ask for changes.
- There is no wrong way to be a person seeking help.
- Be proud of yourself for reaching out.