Referral criteria

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 and 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 and 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 and 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)