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Talking Therapies is a free NHS service for adults registered with a Knowsley, Liverpool, St Helens (aged 16 plus) or Halton (aged 18 plus) GP who want to learn how to overcome common mental health problems such as depression or anxiety (including worry, panic, social anxiety, OCD, and trauma).
What do we offer?
Through an initial telephone assessment, we will ensure we are the right service to meet each person’s needs. We follow National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines and provide information to help everyone understand their difficulties better.
We also encourage patients to begin talking therapies by engaging in short courses, offered in group settings regularly across your local area, or by therapist supported online packages.
If symptoms or problem areas remain following the initial skills learning, we will review further treatment options and agree the next steps with each individual.
How do people access Talking Therapies?
We encourage self referral, either via our website or by calling your local service, Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm.
Halton: 0151 292 6954
Knowsley: 0151 351 8600 (option one)
Liverpool: 0151 228 2300
St Helens: 01744 415 650.
Making people aware we are here and how they can contact us is the most helpful first step.
When should I suggest Talking Therapies?
At the earliest possible opportunity. Evidence shows that the sooner the right support is put in place for someone, the better the outcomes.
Learning self management techniques early on means reducing the likelihood of difficulties growing.
Is there anyone who may not benefit from Talking Therapies?
Good practice suggests avoiding engaging in more than one type of therapy at any one time as it can be counter-productive to recovery. So, if anyone is already receiving help elsewhere, they should consider completing that first and coming to us if still experiencing common mental health problems.
Anyone currently accessing wider specialised mental health services for more severe or enduring mental health problems should also be encouraged to continue with their existing support.
We also don’t offer crisis or immediate care support. If you have concerns for someone’s safety or their ability to maintain their general wellbeing, direct them to their GP or telephone 111 if out of hours. Patients can also call the Samaritans on 116 123 or present at A&E/call 999 in an emergency.
What if I have someone in mind, but I think they will struggle to access Talking Therapies?
If someone is unable to engage in an initial telephone conversation, we will arrange a face to face session. If someone cannot make a self referral, you are able to use the ‘GP and referrers' area of our website. Please make any accessibility needs clear.
Our patients matter
Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust listens and responds to patients and their carers to help improve the services we deliver.
If you have any comments, compliments or concerns you can speak with a member of staff or contact our Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) and Complaints Team.
Telephone: 0151 471 2377 Freephone: 0800 328 2941 Email: palsandcomplaints
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Approval date: 17 July 2025
Review date: 23 July 2026
Version number: 1