Adult complex needs service

Our approach is based on a psychoanalytic perspective which understands mental health as involving the whole person, their life and their relationships. 

Who we see

Generally those who come to our service have been seen by counsellors or psychologists in the community (primary care), or in specialised mental health services. 

Most patients come with depression and anxiety. Many also have complications with their physical health. Relationships, isolation and work related problems are very common. Many wish to try to come to terms with early life and family experiences. 

Assessment and treatment

After referral we offer an extended assessment, generally of more than one meeting, which invites the person to talk about their experience at length. Sometimes the assessment is a consultation which helps understand the problem enough to make a difference or it may lead to a brief treatment of up to 16 sessions. At end of the assessment, options are presented to the patient and together with the assessing clinician, a decision is made as to best course of treatment. 

Brief therapies include:

• brief psychodynamic therapy (BPT)
• dynamic interpersonal therapy (DIT)

We also consider whether longer term psychotherapy is the best treatment of choice. This can involve waiting and when a vacancy is available it takes places with a different therapist. 

The range of therapies available includes:

• individual therapy – once a week for a minimum of one year
  
• group psychotherapy – once a week for a minimum of two years
  
• intensive psychotherapy  – three times a week for a minimum of two years

Intermittent and review appointments are offered as required. 

Teams

Our service has three teams:

• Psychoanalytic Assessment and Treatment Hub (PATH)
  
• Psychoanalytic Treatment Unit (PTU) 
  
• Maresfield unit
  

Our teams are multidisciplinary. This means we have experts from different specialties who work together to assess and treat our patients. 

We are a training clinic with clinicians from a wide range of professional mental health backgrounds. Our teams include experienced consultant psychiatric staff and psychoanalytic psychotherapists.