Croydon Talking Therapies (NHS): Free Online NHS Mental Health Service in Croydon

## What is Croydon Talking Therapies? Croydon Talking Therapies is the local NHS provider offering free and confidential talking therapies for adults. The service supports people experiencing mild to moderate mental health difficulties including depression, generalised anxiety and worry, panic attacks, social anxiety, specific phobias, traumatic memories (PTSD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder. They also offer specialist support for people living with long-term health conditions and relationship difficulties. The service is provided by South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and operates from the Bethlem Royal Hospital in Shirley and Davis House in central Croydon, as well as various GP surgeries across the borough. ## Who Can Use Croydon Talking Therapies? The service is for adults aged 17 and older who are registered with a Croydon GP or living in the borough. It's designed for people with mild to moderate mental health difficulties - if you have more severe or complex needs, you may be better suited to the Assessment & Liaison Service (CMHTs). You don't need a diagnosis to be referred, and you don't need to be under any other mental health services. ## How Do I Access Croydon Talking Therapies? You can refer yourself directly without needing to see your GP first. Simply complete the online self-referral form at croydontalkingtherapies.nhs.uk, call **020 3228 4040**, or email croydoniapt@slam.nhs.uk. Your GP or another healthcare professional can also refer you. After referral, you will have an initial assessment to discuss your difficulties and agree on the most suitable treatment approach. ## What Should I Expect? The main treatment offered is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), with options including group therapy, telephone sessions, online programmes, or face-to-face appointments. They also provide counselling and are expanding into couple therapy and Interpersonal Therapy. Current waiting times vary: online therapy has no wait, guided self-help starts within 2-6 weeks, while counselling and CBT typically have a 2-3 month wait. Treatment usually involves 6-12 sessions.