Accessing Talking Therapies 

Having a baby on a neonatal unit can cause a range of difficult or unwanted thoughts, feelings and behaviours all of which are entirely understandable given the circumstances, but some of which you might find problematic if they continue for a long time or become intense. For example, you may be trying to manage some uncertainty and process some unexpected changes (e.g. if your baby arrived ahead of schedule), which is very normal, but it might be affecting your sleep, you may have difficulty with worrying thoughts, or you might find that the experience affects your mood. There are trained professionals who can support you on the neonatal unit with navigating any feelings you may have by offering signposting to specialist services that can help.

What is NHS Talking Therapies?

  • The NHS Talking Therapies programme - known as Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) prior to 2023 - began in 2008 to help more people better manage their mental health.

  • Further information about the history and setup of the programme can be found here: https://www.england.nhs.uk/mental-health/adults/iapt/

Is NHS Talking Therapies for me?

  • NHS Talking Therapies programme providers offer a free, confidential service on behalf of the NHS. Delivered by highly trained, accredited practitioners with a range of skills. Treatments for common mental health difficulties including low mood, anxiety, and the effects of trauma. You can self-refer - usually online - or ask a member of your baby's healthcare team or your GP to help you with this.

  • If you or someone you know, is experiencing difficulties with mood or with processing trauma regarding your neonatal or birthing experience, then your local NHS Talking Therapies provider can help you access free, confidential help. This referral may be done while you are still on the unit or at any time following your admission.

  • If you are not sure whether the service can help with your particular experiences, please do get in touch with your local provider who will be able to assess your individual circumstances.

Where can I get help?

  • NHS Talking Therapies services in the South West are organised into 7 localities.

  • A neonatal stay is unusual from other hospital stays in that it may be in a town away from your home, in some cases many miles away. You will be able to access an NHS Talking Therapies provider based on your home postcode/GP postcode.  The initial stages of your referral are completed remotely and so if you and your baby are being cared for in a neonatal unit away from home, please don’t worry.  Accessing the service where you live will make sure you receive local, close to home support, that will be on-going following your neonatal unit stay.

  • NHS Talking Therapies is intended to support the on-going work of any unit based psychosocial support services that you may have involvement with. NHS Talking Therapies can be accessed completely confidentially. You may be offered information about NHS Talking Therapies by a member of the neonatal team, it is up to you if you choose to self-refer to the service, and you can do so without telling your neonatal team.  If you would like more information about your local NHS Talking Therapies services, please explore the links on this page.

  • NHS Talking Therapies programmes have been commissioned in each of the South West’s regional commissioning groups.


  • Vita Health Group

    Direct self-referral form

    Covers the Neonatal Intensive Care Units at St Michael's Hospital and Southmead Hospital and anyone registered with a GP in the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire area.

  • Let’s Talk.

    Direct Self-Referral Form

    Lets Talk covers the Local Neonatal Unit at Royal Gloucestershire Hospital, and anyone who is registered with a GP in the Gloucestershire area.

  • B&NES Talking Therapies

    Direct Self-Referral Form

    B&NES Talking Therapies covers the Local Neonatal Unit at the Royal Unit Hospital Bath and anyone registered with a GP in the Bath and North East Somerset areas.

    Lift Psychology, Swindon

    Direct Self- Referral Form

    Lift Psychology covers the Local Neonatal Unit at the Great Western Hospital, Swindon and anyone registered with a GP in the Swindon Area.

  • Somerset Talking Therapies

    Direct Self- Referral Form

    Somerset Talking Therapies covers the Local Neonatal Unit at Musgrove Hospital, Taunton and the Special Care Baby Unit at Yeovil District Hospital. It also covers anyone who is registered with a GP in the Somerset area.

  • TalkWorks

    Direct Self- Referral Form

    Talkworks covers the Special Care Baby Units at North Devon District Hospital Barnstaple and Torbay District Hospital and also the Local Neonatal Unit at Royal Devon and Exeter Wonsford Hospital. It also covers anyone who is registered with a GP in the Devon area, excluding Plymouth.

    Livewell South West

    Direct Self- Referral Form

    Livewell South West covers the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Derriford Hospital, Plymouth and anyone who is registered with a GP in the Plymouth area.

  • NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Talking Therapies

    Direct Self- Referral Form

    NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Talking Therapies covers the Local Neonatal Unit at the Royal Cornwall Hospital, Truro and anyone who is registered with a GP in the Cornwall or Isles of Scilly area.

  • Steps2wellbeing

    Direct Self- Referral Form

    Steps to Wellbeing covers anyone who is registered with a GP in the Dorset area.