Psychology service
Our vision is to empower anyone struggling with their sexual health to live a meaningful life, in line with their values. Also, to collaborate with our sexual health service colleagues, clients and related services, to provide an inclusive, psychologically-informed service.
What can we help with?
Our Psychology Service specialises in supporting people with concerns related to their sexual health.
These include:
- Adjusting to an HIV diagnosis or another sexually transmitted infection (STI)
- Your feelings and psychological health related to HIV, or another STI
- Starting or taking medication
- Concerns about your sexual wellbeing
- Health anxiety relating to your sexual health
- Help with safer sex
We can help you understand the reasons you are feeling the way you do and to find a way forward, by building your confidence or giving you practical strategies to make changes.
Arranging to meet with a Psychologist
You can be referred to us if you are registered with our sexual health services and are experiencing difficulties with issues related to sexual health. Any of the clinical staff (doctors, nurses or health advisors) can arrange this for you.
After we receive a referral we will send an opt-in SMS message inviting you to get in touch to arrange an Initial Consultation. This consultation takes about an hour and by the end we should have a shared plan of what might be helpful.
We are not usually able to offer you therapy straight away. The wait varies but is not usually more than six months.
How we work
The service offers a range of one-to-one psychological therapies, including: Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), Eye-Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR) and Psychodynamic, Systemic and Narrative approaches. Couple Therapy that is HIV or sexual-health related is also available. You can attend sessions face to face, at 1 Nightingale Place and remotely via Zoom or phone consultations. All remote consultations require both parties to be in the UK.
Clinical Health Psychology (Psychological Medicine) – Chelsea and Westminster Hospital
South Kensington and Chelsea Mental Health Centre
1 Nightingale Place
London
SW10 9NG
Team Working Hours: 9am – 5pm Monday – Friday
Tel: 0203 315 5641
E-mail: healthpsychchelwest.cnwl@nhs.net