LMWS Talking Therapies provides evidence-based structured treatments for common mental health problems including anxiety disorders and depression.

Prior to making a referral, please ensure that the client meets the following criteria:

• The client is aged 17+ and registered with a Leeds-based GP
• The client is not already under the care of other NHS mental health services or receiving other therapeutic support (such as CMHT)
• The client wishes to be referred for therapy and is motivated to engage in therapy
• The client is able to independently manage their risk and safety concerns (with the support of a safety plan if applicable)
• The client has symptoms of a common mental health problem as listed below:
  • Depression
  • Anxiety & Stress
  • Panic Disorder
  • Simple Phobia
  • Health Anxiety
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (including for events that occurred in childhood) where there is a clear and specific focus for a PTSD intervention.
  • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (incl. trichotillomania & skin picking)
  • Generalised Anxiety Disorder
  • Social Phobia
  • Body Dysmorphic Disorder

Individuals seeking help for the above common mental health issues but have what would be considered a stable Severe Mental Illness (SMI), treatment would focus on the common mental health problem and not the SMI: 

This might include:

• Previous historical diagnosis of bipolar disorder/previous historical psychotic episode, which has not required intervention from secondary care or changes/increases to medications within the last 12 months AND they have a relapse prevention plan in place, which identifies signs of deterioration (if they have been under CMHT this should be available as part of their discharge plan)
• They may be on a medication associated with psychotic illness such as quetiapine, but this may be prescribed for idiosyncratic reasons (e.g. depression rather than bipolar illness)
• They have been identified with a personality disorder such as EUPD (previously borderline PD). They may have a formal or informal diagnosis BUT these factors are no longer significantly affecting their day-to-day functioning. We would look more broadly at current presentation and ability to engage in therapy.

LMWS NHS TT would not offer treatment where the problem for which they are seeking support is:

• Any eating disorder or disordered eating where there is a primary/significant focus on weight management or relationship with food or their BMI is 17 or below.
• Parasomnia disorders e.g. night terrors
• Addiction and/or substance dependencies e.g. gambling, alcohol/substance use
• Anger as a single-issue NB an assessment may be required to ascertain if the anger is part of a common mental health problem such as depression/trauma reaction
• Recent Bereavement
• Welfare and benefits/housing support

LMWS NHS TT would not be a suitable service where there is:

• Learning disability which prevents effective engagement in NHS TT therapy
• Neurodivergence which prevents effective engagement in NHS TT therapy
• Brain Injury which prevents effective engagement in NHS TT therapy
• Dementia which prevents effective engagement in NHS TT therapy
• Drug & Alcohol use that prevents effective engagement in NHS TT therapy
• Current requirement for ongoing care under Community Mental Health Services or other secondary care services
• Requirement for a multi-professional approach (other than medication reviews)
• Active or immediate intentions or plans to harm self or others
• Referral solely for the purpose of diagnosis or medical or court reports

Specialist provision elsewhere may be required

• Complete the referral form
• Send completed copies by email to leeds.mws@nhs.net

Please complete all sections of the professional referral form. If any sections are incomplete, the referral will be returned to the referrer or forwarded to the client’s GP if no return address has been provided.

LMWS Talking Therapies is not an immediate support service. If the client needs immediate support, please refer them to the Single point of Access on 0800 183 1485.

Next steps

If the professional referral is accepted, the client will be invited to attend a telephone screening with one of our trained mental health professionals. The purpose of the telephone screening is to gather further information regarding the client’s presenting difficulties and establish if we are a suitable service. If we are a suitable service, we will consider suitable treatment options. If we are not a suitable service, we will consider alternative options with the client.

If the professional referral is not accepted, we will write to the referrer and/or the client’s GP with a referral outcome and recommendations where appropriate.