Addictions Psychological Therapies Team (APTT)

We provide assessment and therapy for people who experience mental health problems in the context of addiction. We also provide a service for people with suspected memory and thinking problems related to their substance misuse. We are part of NHS Borders Addictions Service (BAS) and work closely with Addaction and Action for Children.

We work with individuals, [this can include, couples, families and carers], whilst often working jointly with other members of a clinical team. We have good working relationships with local organisations and can offer information about other sources of support. In addition to individual approaches, we also offer a variety of therapeutic groups.

APTT has a number of psychological therapists with different types of training and backgrounds. We all specialise in working with people who experience problems with substances and we work with people in therapy on mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, grief, low self-esteem and trauma.

Clinical Psychologists

These are qualified Clinical Psychologists registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Alongside therapeutic work for mental health problems, a Clinical Psychologist has expertise in how behaviour and thinking skills (cognitive abilities) are related to brain structures and systems. We can assess and help you with thinking skills (e.g. memory, concentration, judgement), mood, and behaviour changes that can occur in the context of substance misuse.

Psychological Therapies Nurse

These are qualified nurses registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council [NMC] with specialist training in psychological therapies. They work with people individually and in group settings, using evidence-based therapeutic interventions. Nurse therapists can also screen for memory and thinking problems within an initial assessment.

APTT Support Worker

Our support worker is experienced working in substance misuse and can support people with issues around: housing; benefits; isolation; recovery; and generally helping people work towards their goals for a positive future

You will usually be seen by a Nurse Therapist or a Clinical Psychologist. In some cases you may be seen by a Clinical Psychologist in training or a Counselling Psychologist in training. These clinicians have had the training required to work with you by themselves, however they must also report back to and get guidance from an experienced Clinical Psychologist (supervisor). Sometimes the supervisor will join you for one or more of your appointments either to understand your situation better or to observe and give feedback to your clinician to help them in their development.

The first appointment generally lasts no longer than 50 minutes. You will have a chance to talk about your problems and how they affect you. You may be asked to complete some questionnaires. After assessing your situation with you, the therapist will discuss and agree with you whether further help is needed, such as support with mood difficulties or further therapy.

If you have difficulties with memory or thinking skills then the clinician will ask you about the types of changes you have noticed, and the effect of these on your day-to-day life. The clinician will discuss whether it would be helpful to carry out some cognitive assessments (these are generally paper-and-pencil tests of thinking skills which are carried out with the clinician). The clinician may also ask for your permission to speak to a family member or friend to get their views.

If you normally use a hearing aid or wear glasses for reading, please bring them along to the first appointment.

A summary of the information gathered during the assessment will be written and sent to the person who referred you to the service and to your GP. It may be helpful to share the information with other people involved in your care, but this will be discussed with you beforehand.

Confidentiality

We are bound by a code of confidentiality. When you first meet with your clinician, they will explain what and where records are kept, and under what circumstances information may be shared. Further information on how we use your information and your rights in relation to this can be found at:

http://www.nhsborders.scot.nhs.uk/patients-and-visitors/know-your-rights/

If you are unable to attend your appointment, please contact us as soon as possible so that we can arrange a suitable alternative appointment for you. This also allows us to allocate the unused appointment time to someone else. If you miss the first two appointments offered to you or regularly miss arranged appointments, we may have to discharge you until it is agreed that you are able to engage with our service.

If you are either pleased or unhappy with our service, or have any comments to make, please talk to our staff – we welcome your feedback. If you wish to make a formal comment, please contact the NHS Borders Patient Experience Team, which is based at:
Borders General Hospital
Melrose
TD6 9BS

Telephone: 01896 826719
Email: complaints.clingov@borders.scot.nhs.uk