Counselling Service

• Who can access the service?

  The patient has to be over 16 years old and registered with a GP in the Borough. The referral can be made by a GP or primary health care professional. The client can also self refer using our Single Point of Access number - Monday to Friday 01942 483 483.

  Presenting issues include: mild to moderate depression, anxiety, stress, complex or extended bereavement, coping with chronic illness or significant injury, family/relationship issues, loss (employment, relationship, and health), identity issues i.e. gender and/or sexuality.

  Options for those who do not meet the eligibility criteria: They would need to speak either to their own GP or to Psychological services - Monday to Friday 01942 483 483.

  Clients accessing our service who were not eligible would be referred back to the GP or on to an appropriate service. For example if a couple wanted counselling we could offer them the opportunity to be seen by two different counsellors or we could suggest a self-referral to relate.

  For severe and immediate mental health problems we would organise a referral to crisis resolution or the access team at Leigh Infirmary. They would perform an assessment and refer on to CMHT or Psychology Services.

• Where is the service offered?

  Due to Covid-19 the service is currently offering telephone and video counselling.
   

• How can people access the service?

  Referrals are made by telephoning the bookings line - Monday to Friday 01942 483 483.

  The patient is sent service information forms and a form allowing them to ‘opt in’ to the Counselling service. This form is completed and returned to:

  The Counselling Service
  Atherton Health Centre
  Ormerod House
  Nelson Street
  Atherton
  M46 0LE

  Client’s are entered onto a waiting list. Client’s will be asked to attend an assessment appointment within four weeks of being referred.

  Patients will then be invited to undertake a course of Counselling when sessions become available.

• Contact details

  Counselling Service
  Atherton Health Centre
  Ormerod House
  Nelson Street
  Atherton
  M46 0LE

  Telephone: - 0300 707 3483

  Opening Hours
  Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm