Psychology Services for Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia
Who we are?
The Psychology Service is provided by Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust to offer psychological support to patients who have a diagnosis of Sickle Cell and Thalassemia (SCaT). The service is free for anyone aged 16 and over living in the West Midlands area.
What do we do?
People who have a diagnosis of Sickle Cell and Thalassemia can experience a wide range of difficult, upsetting and sometimes confusing emotional responses to their illness some of which include:
- Difficulty adjusting to diagnosis
- Problems with day to day management of the illness
- Fears about prognosis
- Low mood/depression
- Worries about current and future life situations
- Panic attacks
- Feelings of anger or resentment
- Social anxiety
- Sleep difficulties
- Managing family and relationships problems
A psychologist can meet with you to talk about the things you may be finding difficult and discuss ways to help alleviate the distress experienced.
The Psychology Service works in a variety of ways including:
- One to one talking therapies
- Group work
- Working with couples and families
- Joint work with other professionals
How can I access support?
Your SCaT consultant or specialist nurse can refer you to the service. Once we receive a referral you will be offered the next available assessment appointment with the psychologist at City Hospital in Birmingham. The first meeting will be about getting to know you and what difficulties you are having. You will discuss how you are coping with your health condition and together with the psychologist , decide on the aims for further sessions.
Click below for a leaflet on psychology services at City Hospital, Birmingham: