Struggling?

We’re here to help

Talking Therapies Portsmouth is the primary care mental health service for Portsmouth, provided by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.

We’re a team of therapists and researchers who specialise in the understanding and treatment of common mental health difficulties.

If you’re struggling with low mood and anxiety, or with a physical condition such as chronic pain or fatigue, we provide talking therapies to help you cope and feel better.

Our service to you is free and confidential.

Difficulties we treat

We provide talking therapies for all kinds of common mental health difficulties. Read more about what we treat:

Depression

Worrying lots about different things

Illness anxiety

Flashbacks or nightmares of trauma

Obsessive thoughts, compulsive behaviour

Social anxiety

Specific phobias

Panic attacks

Perceived flaws in appearance

Loss or bereavement

Expressing anger

Problems in relationships

Struggling when pregnant or with a new baby

Long Term Physical Health Conditions

You’re not alone

Sharing how we feel can be difficult. Sometimes we might think we’re the only one struggling, but mental health affects us all.

According to the latest research*:

  • Worldwide, 1 in 4 people will struggle with their mental health at some point in their lives

  • About 450 million people are currently struggling and mental health is one of the major threats to our wellbeing worldwide

  • Over the past week in England, 1 in 6 people had a mental health problem

  • Across the UK, 2 out of 3 people who suffer from a long-term physical health condition struggle with their mental health

*Reports published by the World Health Organization, the British Mental Health Foundation and the British Department of Health and Social Care.

Encouragingly, open discussions are now happening. People from all backgrounds are coming forward to talk about their own experiences – including actors, music artists and athletes.

Causes

The causes of common mental health difficulties are most likely due to an interaction of factors, such as:

Experiences. Difficult, stressful or traumatic events at any stage in life.

Family history. Certain difficulties are more likely if a family member also has this difficulty.

Physical health. Long-term physical health conditions such as such as chronic pain or fatigue, cancer, diabetes, heart conditions, respiratory conditions, endometriosis, irritable bowel syndrome and many others.

We also support hormonal health conditions including perimenopause, menopause, endometriosis, Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder,  Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and low testosterone,

Brain chemistry. The level of certain neurotransmitters are likely to play a role.

Hormones. Changes in the body's balance of hormones may be involved.

Other risk factors include poor nutrition, drug and alcohol misuse, social isolation, and loneliness.

Talking therapy

Whichever factors may be involved, read about the different types of therapy we offer to see how we could support you. You may also like to read some feedback and encouragements by those who received therapy with us.

Employment advice

Alongside therapy our Employment Team can help you find employment or training, and support you with workplace adjustments or disputes.

Pathways to holistic support

We partner with local organisations, and with services across health and social care. Our partnerships bring together a range of experience and expertise, to help improve accessibility, and to provide you with the care and support you need. Read more about our partnerships and how you could benefit.

Self-help resources

Be sure to check out our useful section of self-help resources for wellbeing.

Make the first step

We know the courage it takes to ask for help, and we hope you’ll consider therapy with us. Read more about what to expect if you refer.

Talking Therapies Portsmouth is for everyone aged sixteen or over, who live in Portsmouth and are registered with a GP in the city.

You can self-refer by calling us on 0300 123 3934 or by completing this secure form online.

Urgent help

Talking Therapies Portsmouth is not an emergency mental health service for people in crisis. Support is available from specialist services if urgent help is needed.