How to refer

Referrals can be made online using the professionals referral form. If you have any questions regarding suitability please call 01908 725099 and speak to the on call duty worker.

Referral and Eligibility Criteria

Talking Therapies is a national initiative to provide a ‘systematic way to organise the delivery of, and access to, evidence-based psychological therapies within the NHS’.

To be eligible for Talking Therapies, patients must meet the following criteria:

  • Aged 17 years and 9 months or older
  • Experiencing common mental health conditions that affect their ability to manage independently
  • Not at risk of suicide
  • Registered with a GP in Milton Keynes

Who is Talking Therapies for?

Talking Therapies supports adults with depression and anxiety, particularly those who can be effectively managed within a single professional context. The service is suitable for individuals dealing with:

  • Mild to moderate depression
  • Generalized anxiety disorder
  • Social anxiety disorder
  • Panic disorder
  • Agoraphobia
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
  • Specific phobias (e.g., fear of heights or small animals)
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Health anxiety (hypochondriasis)
  • Body dysmorphic disorder

Conditions Talking Therapies does not treat:

  • Psychosis
  • Personality disorders
  • Anger management issues
  • Conditions co-occurring with unmanaged substance misuse
  • Bipolar affective disorder
  • Organic or functional neurological disorders
  • Anxiety or depression that requires long-term treatment for a positive outcome

The service makes treatment decisions based on the specific challenges a person is facing, rather than on a formal diagnosis. All cases are considered individually.

Risk Considerations

Talking Therapies is not suitable for individuals at significant risk. It is appropriate for those with a low likelihood of harmful behaviour, where the consequences would be minor and would not require medical intervention. Examples include individuals with suicidal thoughts but no plans or intent, or those who may engage in superficial self-harm (e.g., minor scratches or cuts) that do not necessitate medical care.