Adult Mental Health
The Adult Mental Health team comprises Clinical and Counselling Psychologists, Psychological Therapists, Psychology Assistants, Trainee Clinical Psychologists and Trainee Clinical Associates in Psychological Therapy.
The team is based at Mountainhall Treatment Centre in Dumfries, but clinicians in the specialty are divided into smaller teams covering five geographical areas in the region (Wigtownshire, Stewartry, Nithsdale, Dumfries, Annandale & Eskdale).
People who are referred can be seen at Mountainhall Treatment Centre in Dumfries, or at remote clinics (currently Stranraer, Newton Stewart, Castle Douglas, Dalbeattie, Sanquhar, Thornhill and Annan).
What We Do
Members of the team deliver psychological therapy to adults between the ages of 18 and 65. This is ‘talking therapy’ that can be useful for people with certain types of emotional problems, such as:
- anxiety
- low mood
- panic attacks
- phobias
- symptoms that can follow on from trauma (nightmares, flashbacks etc) whether in childhood or as an adult
- compulsive behaviours such as checking, counting, hand-washing
- complex bereavement
- and more . . .
Therapy can help people to:
- understand their problems and how they have arisen
- learn how to deal with them in helpful ways (by identifying their own inner resources, identifying and enabling engagement with other appropriate resources and by enabling helpful changes in lifestyle and thinking)
Referral Information
Referrals can be made by any GP in Dumfries and Galloway or by Consultant Psychiatrists and other Mental Health professionals (e.g. Community Mental Health Nursing Teams, Occupational Therapists).
Self-referral is not possible.
Who might find Psychological therapy helpful?
Anyone who is struggling with their mood and well-being and feels ready to make changes to their life
What does therapy involve?
- Treatment involves weekly or fortnightly therapy sessions, each lasting about an hour. The duration of treatment will depend on the nature of the problem.
- Treatment is more successful when individuals are able to work on their problems in between sessions. The completion of jointly-agreed homework tasks leads to better outcomes.
- If you think you, or someone you know, may benefit from being assessed by the team, we would encourage you to discuss this with your GP.
Contact us
The Adult Mental Health Psychology team is based at:
Department of Psychological Services & Research
NHS Dumfries & Galloway
Mountainhall Treatment Centre
Bankend Road
Dumfries DG1 4AP
Tel: 01387 244495
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8.30am-5pm.
Helpful Resources
Samaritans
Telephone: 116 123
Website: www.samaritans.org
NHS24
Telephone: 111
Website: www.NHS24.com
Breathing Space
Telephone: 0800 83 85 87
Website: breathingspace.scot
Common Myths about Psychology?
Therapists DO NOT:
- Force you to talk about things you do not wish to
- Tell you what you must do
- Prescribe medication
Therapists DO:
- Help you to feel safe and comfortable
- Gently encourage you to talk about your problems in your own time
- Enable and empower you to find your own best solutions
- Provide evidence-based treatment (i.e. it works) in line with clinical guidelines for best practice