Adult Diabetes Psychology
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1. About us
The Diabetes Psychology Service provides support for adults receiving Diabetes care at the Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Trust, who are experiencing emotional or psychological challenges linked to their Diabetes.
What we offer:
- Specialist psychological support focusing on the link between physical and emotional health.
- Help for emotional challenges like anxiety, low mood, and difficulties around eating, that are common among people with Diabetes.
- Support when managing Diabetes feels overwhelming or motivation is low.
How we work:
- Initial Assessment: We begin with an assessment to understand your needs and decide if the diabetes psychology service is the right option or if other services may be more suitable.
- Therapy Sessions: Typically up to 6-12 sessions to explore coping strategies and manage the emotional impact of Diabetes. Sessions may vary based on your needs.
- NHS Talking Therapies: We work with NHS Talking Therapies (formerly IAPT), who offer treatment for anxiety and depression for those with Long Term Conditions like Diabetes. Some patients may be referred to NHS Talking Therapy (Kirklees or Calderdale/Vita).
Collaborating with the Diabetes Team:
- We contribute to care planning and training, ensuring both physical and emotional needs are considered for all patients.
- Even if you aren’t referred to us, we play a role in supporting your overall care.
2. Adult Diabetes Psychology Team
- Dr Catherine Wright, Consultant Clinical Psychologist (HCPC registered)
- Kirsty Sharp - Secretary
- Dr Stacey Boardman - Clinical Psychologist
- Dr Claire Spence - Clinical Psychologist
3. What to Expect at Your Appointment
- First Appointment: You’ll meet with a psychologist to discuss your needs. This can be in-person, video, or phone depending on what works best for you. We can also arrange transport, translators, or other support to help you attend.
- Confidential & Supportive: If it’s your first time talking about your feelings, we understand it can feel daunting. We’ll go at your pace to ensure you’re comfortable.
- Assessment: We’ll ask about your emotional wellbeing, physical health, work, and relationships. After the meeting, we’ll write a summary of the discussion and the plan that we’ve agreed together.
- Consent: We’ll ask for your permission to share this information with your GP and the person who referred you.
Referrals to the Diabetes Psychology Service can be made by a member of the CHFT diabetes team or in some circumstances a Locala Diabetes Nurse.
4. Where will the adult diabetes psychology service be offered?
Appointments are available at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary and Calderdale Royal Hospital. We can also offer telephone appointments and remote video appointments using our secure service. We will try to offer you a choice and will discuss this with you by telephone when we arrange your first appointment.
5. How can you be referred to the service?
If you are a resident in Huddersfield and receiving support from the Diabetes team at CHFT, you can discuss a referral to our service with your nurse/doctor/other healthcare professional. If your referral is accepted, you will be sent an opt-in letter. You then have three weeks to respond with your decision to opt-in. If you opt-in you will be added to our waiting list, and we will be in touch to arrange your first session.
6. Contact Us
Our secretary can be reached on 01484 34 6030 Monday to Friday between 8:30am-4pm.
7. Useful links and additional information
- Samaritans Available 24 hours a day to provide confidential emotional support for people who are experiencing feelings of distress and despair.
- Mental health and wellbeing with Crohn's or Colitis Crohn's & Colitis UK (crohnsandcolitis.org.uk)
NHS Talking Therapies, for low mood, worry or trauma including living with long term conditions:
Calderdale
- Calderdale - Vita (vitahealthgroup.co.uk)
- Calderdale Talking Therapies | For depression and anxiety (calderdale-talkingtherapies.nhs.uk)
Kirklees