Physical health

We provide an assessment and treatment service for people who are struggling emotionally as a result of a problem with their physical health. We work with people who have a range of conditions including cancer, heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, chronic pain and respiratory disorders. Our aim in therapy is to help people live well with their condition. Criteria for referral:

· Adults aged 18 and above

· Moderate - severe psychological problems that are primarily caused and maintained by a long-term physical health condition, or the after-effects of, for example, cancer and organ transplantation

· Patient should be aware that the purpose of psychological intervention is to help them to live well with their health condition

· Patient should also be ready to engage with psychology. This involves committing to regular appointments, open discussion of difficulties, and willingness to make meaningful change, once or twice a fortnight for an hour at a time. It’s not unusual to meet about 8 times.

Refer via SCI Gateway...Mountainhall...Clinical Psychology...Psychology and choose Physical health option.

Should any referrer wish to speak to a member of staff in relation to a referral please contact 01387 244495 or email: dg.psychology.general@nhs.scot

Digital interventions (e.g. Computerised Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) are available for people with mild to moderate depression or anxiety associated with the following conditions:

· Breast Cancer

· Diabetes

· Chronic Pain

· Rheumatoid Arthritis

· Lung Conditions

· Coronary Heart Disease

More information can be found here: https://rightdecisions.scot.nhs.uk/dgrefhelp-nhs-dumfries-galloway/psychology/digital-interventions-computerised-cbt/

People living with Chronic Pain may also benefit from being signposted to the NHS Dumfries and Galloway Chronic Pain website: DGHSCP Chronic Pain Website