Two new therapists to help people with mental health issues

Two part-time therapists specialising in a type of talking treatment for people who may be suicidal, self-harming or prone to alcohol and drug abuse or other addictive behaviours have been newly recruited in the Western Trust and are awaiting start dates.
By The Newsroom
Published 17th Apr 2016, 21:14 BST

The dialectical behaviour therapists (DBT) will help treat people with borderline personality disorder (BPD) once they are in situ.

Outgoing SDLP MLA Gerard Diver asked Health Minister Simon Hamilton “what steps he has taken to increase Dialectical Behaviour Therapy provision in the Western Health and Social Care Trust.”

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“Following the completion of the DBT pilot the WHSCT has been working in partnership with the Beacon Centre (NIAMH) to deliver preparatory workshops to all those on the Trust waiting list for DBT. These will run during April and May in both sectors of the Trust,” he said.

“Two DBT programmes are planned (1 in the Northern sector and 1 in the Southern sector) on completion of the preparatory workshops. Two part time DBT therapists have been recruited and are awaiting starting dates.

“Subject to additional funding the Trust aim to further develop the DBT service, increase the pool of professionals who can facilitate the skills component of the DBT programme and ensure DBT becomes an integral part of the PD care pathway,” he added.

Related topics:Western TrustSimon HamiltonSDLP