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If you are registered with a GP in the Wakefield district, including Wakefield and the five towns of Castleford, Pontefract, Knottingley, Featherstone and Normanton Turning Point Talking Therapies offers NHS talking therapy support. The self‑referral process is designed to be clear, supportive and at your own pace.
If you would like to explore support now, you can self‑refer to Turning Point Talking Therapies online. We will guide you through the next steps.
A quick overview of what to expect
After you self‑refer to Turning Point Talking Therapies, the process usually follows a few simple stages:
- we receive your self‑referral
- we contact you to talk about your needs
- you are offered an initial assessment
- together we decide on the most suitable support.
You are not expected to have everything figured out at the start. Each step is there to help you feel supported and understood.
If you would like more information about accessing talking therapies in Wakefield, and to have a look at the types of therapy we offer, you can find details about our service here.
Step 1: We receive your self‑referral
Once you submit a self‑referral to Turning Point Talking Therapies, it is securely received by our team. The information you share helps us understand what you are experiencing and what kind of support you may be looking for.
Everything you tell us is treated confidentially, in line with NHS guidance. Submitting a self‑referral does not commit you to starting therapy. It is simply the first step in finding out what support might be right for you.
Step 2: We get in touch with you
After we receive your self‑referral, a member of our team will contact you. This is usually to acknowledge your referral, explain the next steps, and arrange an initial assessment. If you feel anxious about being contacted, you are not alone.
Our team understands that reaching out for mental health support can feel difficult, and we aim to make this part of the process as supportive as possible.
Step 3: Your initial assessment
The initial assessment is an opportunity for us to get to know you better and understand how your mental health is affecting your daily life. It is not a test and there are no right or wrong answers.
What we’ll talk about in the assessment
During the assessment, we may talk about what has been going on for you recently, how you have been feeling emotionally and physically, how these difficulties affect your day‑to‑day life, and what you are hoping to get from support. You can share as much or as little as you feel comfortable with.
The conversation is there to help us understand how best to support you. If you feel ready to take this step, you can self‑refer to Turning Point Talking Therapies and we will support you through the assessment process.
Step 4: Deciding on the right support
Following your assessment, we will work with you to decide what type of support is likely to be most helpful. Support is not one‑size‑fits‑all, and decisions are made with your individual needs in mind.
Types of support you may be offered
Depending on your situation, this could include one to one talking therapy, group‑based support, online therapy options, workshops or guided self‑help resources. If a different type of service would be more appropriate, we will help signpost you to other support options.
Step 5: Starting talking therapy
If talking therapy is recommended, we will explain what happens next and talk through what you can expect from your sessions. Many people worry about doing therapy wrong or not knowing what to say. There is no pressure to perform or explain everything perfectly. Therapy is a space to go at your own pace, with support from a trained professional.
What if I’m not offered talking therapy right away?
Sometimes, talking therapy may not be the most appropriate first step, or there may be other support that would suit your needs better. If this happens, it does not mean your difficulties are not valid.
Our aim is always to help you access the right support, even if that support sits outside of our service. If our service is not the right fit, we will help you understand what other options are available to you in Wakefield.
Talking therapies in Wakefield: local support you can access
Turning Point Talking Therapies is the NHS talking therapy service for people registered with a GP in the Wakefield district. The service offers support tailored to people living in the Wakefield district, with options including online and face‑to‑face talking therapies.
This approach helps ensure that support is accessible, relevant and connected to other services in the area, so you can get the right help at the right time. You can check whether you are eligible for support and self‑refer directly through our service.
What if I feel nervous or unsure at any point?
Feeling anxious, uncertain or hesitant is very common, especially when seeking mental health support for the first time. You are always welcome to ask questions, raise concerns or let us know if you are unsure about any part of the process. Our team is here to support you, not judge you.
Get support from Turning Point Talking Therapies
If you are aged 16 or over, registered with a Wakefield District GP, and feel you could benefit from talking therapy, you can access support through Turning Point Talking Therapies. You can check eligibility and self‑refer for NHS talking therapy without needing a GP referral.