FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

What is Talking Change?
Talking Change is a new talking therapies service in Portsmouth. We can offer guided self-help and talking therapies for common mental health problems such as anxiety and depression.
 
How do I get access to Talking Change?
You can be referred by your GP or other health professionals or you can self-refer. Self-referral packs can be picked up from your GP surgery or local health centre. You could also download your self-referral pack here.
 
How much does it cost?
Talking Change is a free NHS service.
 
How long do I have to wait?
We aim to contact you within three working days to let you know the outcome of your referral. If we feel we can help you, we aim to offer you an appointment within ten to fifteen days. Otherwise we will signpost you to a more appropriate service where possible.
 
Is Talking Change a confidential service?
Yes. The only circumstances in which we would have to break confidentiality is if we are concerned about your safety or someone else's. If this were the case, we would try to discuss with you who we would talk to and why. On receipt of your referral, we will also contact your GP to keep him/her informed and request any information that would be helpful to us.
 
What is CBT?
CBT, or cognitive behavioural therapy, is a psychotherapeutic approach that aims to change unhelpful thoughts, feelings and behaviours through a very goal-oriented procedure. There is evidence that CBT is effective for the treatment of a variety of problems, including depression and anxiety. Treatment is often brief and focuses on the here and now. CBT is used in individual therapy as well as group settings, and the techniques are often adapted for self-help applications. In Britain, the National Institute for Clinical Excellence recommends CBT as the treatment of choice for a number of mental health difficulties, like anxiety and depression, because studies have indicated that it works.
 
What can I expect from Talking Change?
Different treatments are recommended for different problems. Talking therapy, self-help approaches, medication and exercise tend to be most commonly recommended interventions for common mental health problems such as anxiety or depression. You may be offered psychological interventions that include talking therapies and self-help programmes.