The NHS board for Suffolk has announced plans for a new therapy service to boost mental health in the county.

NHS Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board (ICB) will be starting Talking Therapies from September 1 and will be in place for five years. 

This is a nationwide service that has been rolled out by NHS England where effective, confidential and free treatments are delivered by trained clinicians, online, on the phone or in person.

The services specialise in helping people struggling with depression, excessive worry, social anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

aThe services will start on September 1. (Image: Shikhar Talwar)

Through the Suffolk ICB, patients can get a range of therapies depending on people’s symptoms, from guided self-help, and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to interpersonal therapy (IPT).

They are doing this to ensure people in Suffolk can get quick and easy access to mental health services, through tailored care and support. 

Dr Ed Garratt said that this is a really positive change.Dr Ed Garratt said that this is a positive change. (Image: Newsquest)

Dr Ed Garratt OBE, chief executive officer of NHS Suffolk and North East Essex ICB, said: “This innovative new multi-partnership approach will provide the improvements that local people have asked for, resulting in an expanded and improved access to tailored treatment and support for people who would benefit from talking therapies.

“This is a really positive step forward in our ambition to improve outcomes and experiences for local service users, families and carers across Suffolk, and will make seeking help as convenient, quick and straightforward as possible."

NHS Norfolk and Suffolk Foundation Trust are doing this in parternship with the ICB.NHS Norfolk and Suffolk Foundation Trust are doing this in partnership with the ICB. (Image: NSFT)

These services are being brought in association with Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, which offers mental health support at various locations.

The trust's CEO Caroline Donovan said: “Our engagement with service users, families and carers in developing this further improved and transformed service was essential in shaping the new model.

“This is great news for our local NHS Talking Therapies services and testament to the work and support our staff and partner organisations are already providing to our existing and new service users, families and carers."