Community Health Psychology works alongside healthcare professionals to develop a shared understanding of complex health needs.
The service brings together psychological expertise with the knowledge and experience of the professionals already involved, supporting more integrated, preventative and person-centred care for people affected by persistent physical health issues.
Why this work matters
People living with both physical and mental health difficulties can experience challenges in getting the support they need. Many also face additional barriers related to neurodiversity, disability, long-term conditions, cultural background, language or previous experiences of healthcare. These factors can influence how people understand their health, communicate with professionals and experience healthcare.
Healthcare professionals often work in demanding environments, making it more challenging to provide joined-up and equitable care. Community Health Psychology supports teams to respond to these complexities through collaborative consultation, shared thinking and opportunities for reflection.
A whole health, whole person, whole life approach
The service takes a whole health, whole person, whole life approach, recognising the many factors that can affect health and wellbeing. This supports person-centred care by considering the wider context of a person’s life and the experiences that may influence their health.
How collaborative consultation works
Collaborative consultation provides dedicated time and space for healthcare professionals and Community Health Psychology to think together about the needs, experiences and circumstances of the people they support.
By bringing together different areas of expertise, the service helps develop a shared understanding of complex health needs and identify approaches that support more integrated, preventative and person-centred care.
The service also provides reflective spaces where healthcare professionals can discuss complex situations, share learning and strengthen collaborative working. These sessions offer support for teams working in demanding or dispersed roles.
Where appropriate, consultation may also involve joint meetings with the healthcare professional, the person receiving care and, where appropriate, their carer or other professionals involved in their care. These meetings are considered following the initial professional consultation and form part of the collaborative consultation approach.
Who can request a consultation?
Community Health Psychology is commissioned exclusively for healthcare professionals working with adults (aged 18 and over) in the Guildford and Waverley area.
This includes professionals working in:
- GP surgeries
- Community Matron services
- Community Rehabilitation Teams
- GP Integrated Mental Health Services (GPIMHS)
- Community Mental Health Recovery Services (CMHRS)
- Community Integrated Care Teams
- Royal Surrey County Hospital
- other community health services
For information about referral criteria and how to request a consultation, visit the Contact Community Health Psychology page.