Who this service is for
The service is for people of all ages with learning disabilities across the range, from mild to severe. We also accept referrals of people with autistic spectrum disorders including Asperger’s syndrome, and emotional problems linked to brain damage.
The service is aimed at people with learning and complex disabilities who may have a range of emotional and mental health difficulties. We will consider referrals of people who have borderline or unclearly defined learning disabilities in which complex factors such as trauma, abuse or brain injury may play a part.
Why refer to these services?
Our services for children, adolescents, adults and their families recognise that each individual is unique and their needs differ. For this reason we tailor our approach according to needs.
We know that an individual’s difficulties might not be related to their diagnosis alone - after all, they are people first. We think it’s important to listen properly to the family where appropriate and to look at the wider picture.
This specialist service is staffed by a multi-disciplinary group with contributions from child and adolescent psychiatry, psychology, family therapy, social work and psychotherapy. Our teams work closely together in order to make the most of different skills and expertise.
Kinds of treatment are offered
When a patient is referred to the service they are usually seen for an assessment, to work out what sort of help will be most appropriate.
There will be a number of appointments with a clinician to talk about problems and concerns, and if the patient cannot talk, then other means such as drawing are used to help them to be understood. Parents, carers and other people involved in the patient’s life such as social workers, teachers and doctors will also be seen.
The patient may be offered regular psychotherapy sessions, family therapy or group therapy. Sometimes following an assessment, learning and complex disabilities service staff may offer meetings to support those who look after the patient, to help them to think about how best to meet the patients' needs.
Patients usually attend therapy for at least a year.
Alongside individual therapy we can offer supportive work to parents and carers, and a consultancy service can be provided to professionals in the field.
How to refer
We encourage referrals from professionals including psychiatrists, psychotherapists, psychologists, paediatricians and GPs (although we do welcome enquiries from other agencies).
To discuss a referral please call our team administrator on 020 8938 2537.
