Mental Health and Psychological Therapy

HIV psychology service

Many people diagnosed with HIV find that living with HIV has a psychological impact on their life and mental wellbeing. The psychology service at the Ian Charleson Day Centre is here to support you through all aspects of HIV, from diagnosis to treatment and living with HIV.

Psychological therapies are available within the service through our team of highly experienced specialist psychologists. You can self-refer if you would like to talk to someone about your thoughts and feelings, or speak to your Doctor or Nurse and request for a referral. Alternatively a referral may be suggested by your doctor or nurse.

For more information on the Ian Charleson Day Centre psychology service, read our leaflet here.

How can a psychologist help?

Individuals living with HIV, their partners and/or their families may come across a number of issues that they need help with. Psychologists are specifically trained to support people through many difficulties experienced by being HIV positive. These include:

New diagnosis and difficulties with coping/adjustment
Depression and anxiety related to HIV
Disclosure (to partners past / present, family, children and others)
Practising safer sex / risk reduction
Relationship problems / therapy for partners and/or family members
Pregnancy/ testing of children
Adherence. (beginning treatment/ difficulties and/or terminating treatment)
Coping with chronic illness
Managing co infections e.g. hepatitis C
Bereavement
Neuro-cognitive screening for mild cognitive impairment
Substance misuse problems and onward referral
Chemsex.

Neurocognitive Screening

The HIV psychology department offers a neurocognitive screening service for patients reporting mild to moderate cognitive difficulties including problems with concentration and attention, co-ordination and movement, memory, slowed thinking, difficulties with completing complex tasks, personality change, irritability and emotional changes.

The screening involves testing which takes approximately two hours to complete. Depending on the outcome, patients may then be offered a short course of psychological intervention or onward referral to a more appropriate service.

How to Refer

If you are interested in finding out more about the psychology service and/or would like to be referred, please feel free to talk to any member of staff in the Ian Charleson Day Centre (ICDC).

Due to the high number of referrals there may be a short wait before you are seen by the team.

Mental health web-based resources

Please speak to your clinician if you would like further resources. Please note that by clicking on these links, you will be taken to third party websites.

Living with worry and anxiety amidst global uncertainty

www.psychologytools.com/articles/free-guide-to-living-with-worry-and-anxiety-amidst-global-uncertainty/ (available in multiple languages)

MIND website provides helpful suggestions for managing isolation

www.mind.org.uk/information-support/coronavirus-and-your-wellbeing/#collapsea2b59

Mindfulness