This leaflet answers common questions about the Ian Charleson Day Centre (ICDC) psychology service at the Royal Free London.

If you would like further information, or have any particular worries, please do not hesitate to ask your nurse or doctor.

What is the ICDC psychology service?

The service offers support from specially trained psychologists in helping people cope with emotional and behavioural difficulties. There are many types of psychological therapies, but they all involve talking about your thoughts, feelings and behaviours.

Which in turn can help you develop new skills to work through your difficulties. The service allows you to work with a psychologist to understand any difficulties you may have and develop new coping strategies.

Anything you discuss with your psychologist remains confidential. However, if your psychologist is concerned about you being at a risk of harm to yourself or to others, they may need to talk to other services to get you the support you need. If your psychologist feels this is necessary, they will discuss this with you.

How can the service help me?

ICDC psychologists can help you with a range of issues or difficulties, including:

  • anxiety, low mood, stress
  • adjusting to your diagnosis
  • discussing your medical issues with others, such as family or friends
  • managing your treatment
  • managing any other health problems you may have
  • bereavement
  • substance or behavioural addictions
  • familial or relationship issues
  • managing intimate and sexual relationships

What happens at a psychology session?

Sessions can be held remotely either by video or phone call, or in person at the centre. Each type of session usually lasts up to 50 minutes.

The number of sessions each person needs will vary but will usually begin with up to six, where progress is then reviewed. Some patients will require less than six sessions in total depending on their needs.

What happens at my first appointment?

During the first appointment you will have a space to discuss what emotional problems you are facing. You will work with your psychologist to identify and set goals for what you would like to achieve during your sessions. At the end of the session, your psychologist will decide whether you will need further appointments. These will usually either be on a weekly or fortnightly basis. They will also be able to advise if another service would be better suited to help with your current needs.

How can I be referred to the service?

You can self-refer to the ICDC psychology service or ask your doctor or nurse in the ICDC to refer you. Self-referrals can be made by telephone: 020 7830 2445 (Monday to Friday, between 9am and 5pm), or by asking ICDC staff members for a self-referral form.

Once we receive your referral, you will receive a text message or email to confirm that you have been added to the waiting list for the service. You will be contacted when an initial appointment with a psychologist is available.

Attendance

If you are unable to attend or would like to rearrange your appointment, please let your psychologist know as soon as possible. If you do not attend two sessions in a row, you will be discharged from the ICDC psychology service.