There are various forms of psychological support available to you if you are experiencing stress, anxiety, low mood or you have a diagnosed mental health condition. This is a brief guide to help you understand what is available and decide what is right for you. You are welcome to contact the Occupational Health Team if you would like to talk through your options.
The University’s Employee Assistance Programme, Spectrum Life
Spectrum Life offers up to six sessions of short-term, solution-focused counselling free of charge to University of Exeter employees and PhD students. This approach can be helpful in managing the emotional impact of difficult life events, such as a relationship breakdown or problems at work. The counselling sessions are completely confidential and no personal details are shared with the University. The service can be accessed on a self-referral basis, either by telephone or online – please look at the Spectrum Life webpage.
NHS Improving Access to Psychological Therapies
The NHS Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) facility is available nationwide, with each county offering its own service. IAPT services offer evidence-based psychological treatments, found to be effective in the treatment of common mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety, or stress-related mental illness. Treatments comply with NICE guidance. Services can be accessed on a self-referral basis, either via telephone or online (check individual services). The service is confidential, but they may wish to share information with your GP. To find the service for your county/area, please follow this link.
Community Mental Health Teams
The Mental Health Assessment Team manage new referrals and provide a single point of assessment and access to adult community mental health services in Devon. In Cornwall, this service is provided by the Integrated Community Mental Health Teams. Please contact your GP if you require a referral to these services.
Mental health emergencies, including if you are feeling suicidal
For more urgent mental health situations, you can call the First Response Service (Devon) on 0300 555 500 or the Cornwall service on 0800 038 5300. The Samaritans can be contacted 24 hours a day on 116 123. If you are feeling suicidal, but are safe and have someone with you for support, please request an emergency appointment with your GP. If you have concerns about your immediate safety or the safety of someone else, please call 999.