More than 5,000 people have turned to a new self referral mental health service being delivered by Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust.
The Psychological Wellbeing Service was launched four months ago to help those suffering from stress, anxiety and depression.
Dr James Clarke, service lead for the Psychologic Wellbeing Service, said: “We are pleased that we have been able to help so many people already.
“We knew that previously that it may have been a big step for people to visit their doctor and say they want help with their mental health. We’ve removed that barrier now, and we’re glad that so many people have come forward already.”
Previously patients had to be referred by their GPs but in September people were allowed the opportunity to refer themselves to the service following investment from commissioners.
They can still be referred by their doctor.
The 5,000th patient has just begun receiving help from the service - just 20 weeks after it was launched.
Dr Clarke said: “We set out to see more people, more quickly, but the real benefits of the service will be shown by how people respond to the treatments we are offering them.
“It is still very early days, but we are encouraged by the feedback we are getting.
“In surveys carried out over 98 per cent of patients have described themselves as satisfied with their overall treatment with the service and their therapist, and approximately two thirds of patients report a very significant reduction in their symptoms on completion of treatment.
“Accessing the treatments offered by Psychological Wellbeing Service will help them to continue achieving improvements in their lives.”
There were 2,374 patients who self-referred to the service while the remainder were referrals from doctors and other health professionals.
In December alone, 1,008 people entered treatment. When first launched, the service was set a target of just under 1,000 people a month, but clinicians did not expect to hit that figure so soon.
Anyone living in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, who is registered with a GP, can self-refer to the Psychological Wellbeing Service.
Treatments available include individual therapy, guided self-help, group sessions including training in Mindfulness, a range of psychotherapy courses and online options.
Visit www.cpft.nhs.uk or call 0300 300 0055. The lines are open from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, excluding Bank Holidays.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here