Specialized Support for Long-Term Physical Health Conditions

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. What is the IACT LTC Service?
3. The Impact of Long-Term Physical Health Conditions
   • 3.1 Mental Health Struggles
   • 3.2 Vicious Cycle between Physical and Mental Health
4. Understanding the Link between Physical and Mental Health
   • 4.1 The Importance of Managing Symptoms
   • 4.2 Overall Well-being
5. Collaboration with Physical Health Colleagues
6. The Assessment Appointment
   • 6.1 Clinical Measures
   • 6.2 Treatment Options
7. Types of Treatment Offered
   • 7.1 Low-Intensity Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
   • 7.2 Group Work
   • 7.3 High-Intensity Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy
   • 7.4 Counselling
   • 7.5 Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR)
8. Learning Tools and Techniques for Managing Conditions
9. Accessing Additional Services
10. Expectations for Patients
    • 10.1 Willingness to Make Change
    • 10.2 Regular Attendance
    • 10.3 Openness and Honesty
    • 10.4 Completion of Clinical Measures
    • 10.5 Work between Appointments
11. Conditions Treated by IACT LTC Service
12. Conclusion

👉 What is the IACT LTC Service?

The IACT LTC Service, or Improving Access to Psychological Therapy's Long-Term Condition Service, is a specialized program designed to assist individuals dealing with long-term physical health conditions. Whether you have a cardiac problem, respiratory condition, diabetes, musculoskeletal issue, skin condition, or unexplained chronic pain or fatigue, our service is here to provide you with the support you need. We understand that living with such conditions can be incredibly challenging and can have a significant impact on your mental health.

👉 The Impact of Long-Term Physical Health Conditions

Living with a long-term physical health condition often leads to struggles with mental health. Conditions like cardiac issues, respiratory problems, diabetes, and musculoskeletal disorders can create a vicious cycle, where mental health difficulties exacerbate physical health challenges, and vice versa. This close link between physical and mental well-being is crucial to understand and manage effectively.

👉 Understanding the Link between Physical and Mental Health

Learning more about the connection between physical and mental health can empower you to better manage your symptoms and promote overall well-being. Our team collaborates closely with your physical health colleagues to ensure you receive comprehensive and coordinated care. We believe in evidence-based practices that have been rigorously tested and proven effective for many individuals.

👉 The Assessment Appointment

Upon entering our service, you will have an assessment appointment. During this session, a Psychological Well-being Practitioner (PWP) will gather information about your difficulties, mental health struggles, and their relationship with your physical health condition. The assessment can be conducted over the telephone, through video chat, or face-to-face. It typically lasts about an hour.

👉 Types of Treatment Offered

Based on the information gathered during the assessment, you and the PWP will work together to set realistic goals for treatment. A treatment plan will be created, which may include various evidence-based interventions tailored to your specific needs. These may include:

1. 🌟 Low-Intensity Cognitive Behavioral Therapy:

   • This form of therapy focuses on developing practical strategies to manage your condition and improve mental well-being.

2. 🌟 Group Work:

   • Engaging in group therapy allows you to connect with others facing similar struggles. Together, you can learn and support each other in overcoming your challenges.

3. 🌟 High-Intensity Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy:

   • Highly targeted and personalized therapy that delves deeper into the underlying causes of your difficulties to bring about long-lasting change.

4. 🌟 Counselling:

   • One-on-one sessions that provide a safe and confidential space to explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences related to your condition.

5. 🌟 Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR):

   • A specialized therapy technique that helps individuals process traumatic experiences and overcome the emotional distress associated with them.

These treatment options will be discussed with you by your Psychological Well-being Practitioner, who will ensure that the approach aligns with your goals and preferences.

👉 Learning Tools and Techniques for Managing Conditions

Throughout your treatment with us, you will learn valuable tools and techniques to help manage your condition and mental health difficulties effectively. In addition to symptom management, our focus is also on exploring the underlying reasons for your struggles, aiding in long-term recovery.

👉 Accessing Additional Services

Our Psychological Well-being Practitioners can also help you access other services that may be beneficial to you. We are committed to providing comprehensive care, and if there are additional resources or support systems that could enhance your well-being, we will guide you in accessing them.

👉 Expectations for Patients

To make the most of your time with us, we ask that you approach treatment with a readiness for change. Change can be challenging, but your willingness to actively participate in appointments, be open and honest about your experiences, complete clinical measures, and work on agreed tasks between sessions will greatly contribute to your progress and goal achievement.

👉 Conditions Treated by IACT LTC Service

Some of the long-term physical health conditions we work with include:

1. Cardiac Conditions (e.g., heart failure, angina, coronary heart disease)
2. Respiratory Conditions (e.g., COPD, asthma, chronic bronchitis)
3. Diabetes (type 1 and type 2, including brittle diabetes)
4. Musculoskeletal Conditions (e.g., arthritis, lupus, osteoporosis, gout)
5. Skin Conditions (e.g., eczema, acne, vitiligo)
6. Unexplained Chronic Pain or Fatigue (e.g., fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome)

To access our service, you need to be registered with a Doncaster GP, over the age of 18, and struggling with a common mental health problem in addition to one or more of the mentioned physical health conditions.

👉 Conclusion

The IACT LTC Service is dedicated to providing specialized support to individuals living with long-term physical health conditions. By addressing the interplay between physical and mental health, we aim to improve your overall well-being and equip you with the tools to manage your condition effectively. We encourage you to reach out to us through our telephone helpline or by visiting our website to learn more about how we can assist you on your journey.

Highlights

• Specialized support for individuals with long-term physical health conditions.
• Comprehensive care addressing the relationship between physical and mental health.
• Evidence-based treatments tailored to individual needs.
• Learning tools and techniques for managing conditions effectively.
• Collaboration with physical health colleagues for wrap-around care.
• Access to additional services for enhanced well-being.

FAQs

Q: How do I access the IACT LTC Service? A: To access our service, you need to be referred by a healthcare professional or self-refer. You can contact us through our telephone helpline or visit our website for more information.

Q: Will the treatment be covered by insurance? A: The coverage for our services may vary depending on your insurance provider. We recommend contacting your insurance company to determine the extent of coverage for psychological therapy.

Q: How long does the treatment typically last? A: The duration of treatment can vary depending on individual needs and goals. However, our approach is time-limited, meaning we focus on achieving positive outcomes within a specified timeframe.

Q: Can I choose the type of treatment I receive? A: Your Psychological Well-being Practitioner will work with you to identify the most suitable treatment approach based on your needs. However, treatment decisions are made collaboratively, taking into account your preferences and goals.

Q: Is the IACT LTC Service available outside of Doncaster? A: Currently, our service is primarily available in Doncaster. However, we recommend checking with mental health services in your local area for similar programs that may be available to you.

Resources: IACT LTC Service