Your mental health journey. What to expect, step by step
Everyone’s experience is different and personal to them. But many people who come to us for help often follow a similar path.
This guide takes you through each stage, from asking for help to moving forward.
If you’re struggling and need urgent mental health support*, help is available right now.
- Call 111 and choose the mental health option to speak to a trained practitioner.
- Call 999 if you think there is a risk to your life, or the life of someone else
*You might need urgent support if:
- You feel like you might hurt yourself or someone else
- You’re hearing voices or seeing things that others don’t
- You feel like people are watching you or trying to harm you
- You’re overwhelmed by distress or unable to cope with daily life
Asking for help for your mental wellbeing can feel like a big step. But you don’t have to do it alone.
We’re here to support you, listen to you, and help you feel safe.
We’re a secondary care mental health service. This means we provide extra support when primary care services (like your GP or talking therapies) aren’t quite enough on their own. We support people with complex or ongoing mental health needs, and we’ll work with you to find the right next steps.
You may already have spoken to your GP or tried talking therapies. If you feel you need more support, that’s completely okay.
How to get referred to us:
You’ll usually be referred by your GP, but other professionals can refer you too, like:
- A social worker
- A&E
- A mental health or support service
Once we receive your referral, we’ll review it and decide the next steps with you.
How to prepare for your first appointment
Before your appointment, it can help to write down what you want to say. This might include how you’ve been feeling, what’s been difficult lately, or what kind of support you’re hoping for.
You might also want to bring someone with you, such as a family member, friend or carer, for support during the conversation.
To make sure we can reach you, please check that your contact details are up to date.
If anything has changed, you can update your details by:
- Visiting https://www.kmpt.nhs.uk/contact-us and selecting the ‘appointment/treatment enquiries’ option
- Updating your NHS record through your GP surgery or the https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-app
While you wait for us to review your referral, you can explore helpful advice and support options by visiting:
Once we’ve reviewed your referral, we’ll get in touch to arrange your first appointment - this is called an assessment.
We might contact you by phone, letter, email or text, so please keep an eye out.
Your assessment is a chance for us to get to know you and understand how we can support you. It might take place:
- Over the phone
- Via video call
- or face-to-face, depending on what works best for you
We’ll ask about how you’ve been feeling, what’s been difficult, and what support you’ve had. There are no right or wrong answers - we’re here to listen.
You can bring someone with you and use stim or fidget toys if it helps you feel more at ease.
What is Mental Health Together, and how can it help?
Most people begin their journey with our Mental Health Together service - it’s often the first step in getting the right support.
You can find out more about the service by visiting the dedicated Mental Health Together page here: https://www.kmpt.nhs.uk/mental-health-together
After your assessment, we’ll work with you to create a care plan that suits your goals, needs and preferences.
This may include:
- Talking therapies
- Wellbeing groups or workshops
- Support with medication
- or more specialist services
We’ll always explain your options and work with you to decide what feels right.
You’ll be supported by a dedicated care team. This could include psychologists, mental health practitioners, peer workers and support staff.
We also work closely with trusted local partners, such as:
Your care might involve one-to-one support, group sessions or both. Whatever feels right for you.
Need help with appointments or technology?
Help with video calls or the NHS APP
If you're unsure how to use digital tools like video calls or the NHS App, there’s help available.
https://www.digitalkent.uk/ offers support with getting online, using devices, and accessing digital services.
You can also find guidance on how to use the NHS App https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-app/help-and-support/ to manage your care.
Not sure where your appointment is?
Your appointment location will be listed in your appointment letter or any notes you’ve made.
We don’t include location details in text messages, so if you’re unsure, please use the contact details in your reminder text to check with your care team.
Travelling to your appointment
If you have a face-to-face appointment, it’s a good idea to plan your journey in advance. You can check for traffic or public transport updates using the links below:
You can check for traffic updates and roadworks here:
https://www.kent.gov.uk/roads-and-travel/travelling-around-kent/traffic-and-travel
https://www.medway.gov.uk/info/200177/roads_and_pavements/104/roadworks_and_closures
If you're using public transport, these tools can help you plan your route:
https://kentconnected.org/ - for journey planning and public transport options
https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/ - for train times and updates
Attending a group workshop?
Some of your appointments may be in a group workshop format. These sessions are designed to help you:
- Learn new ways to manage your mental wellbeing
- Build confidence in social situations, with support around you
- Learn from and with others in a safe, supportive space
You won’t be expected to share anything personal unless you feel comfortable doing so. If you have any questions or concerns about your workshop, your care team is here to help - their contact details will be in your appointment letter or reminder text.
Missed or need to cancel your appointment?
If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, please contact your care team as soon as you can. Their details will be in your appointment letter or reminder text.
If you’ve already missed it or need to reschedule last-minute, we still want to hear from you.
You can contact us by phone or email, whichever feels easier.
- If we don’t hear from you, we may follow up to check you are okay.
- If you no longer need our support, please let us know - we’ll help you explore your options.
As you progress, your needs might change. You may need more or less support. And that’s okay.
We’ll check in regularly to talk about:
- What’s going well
- What’s not quite working
- How you’re feeling overall
Your care plan isn’t fixed. We’ll update it with you, based on what feels right for you.
If things are going well, we’ll help you build on that progress. Whatever stage you’re at, we’ll move forward together - at your pace, in a way that feels right for you.
When you feel ready to move forward without us, we’ll be here to help you plan your next steps safely and confidently.
Our goal isn’t just to help you with mental illness - it’s to help you live well.
Your next steps might include:
- Ongoing support from your GP
- Connecting with local community services
- Joining wellbeing activities or support group
- Becoming part of our Co-creation Community, where you can help shape future services by sharing your experiences
We are here to support you without judgement. Wherever you are in your journey.
You can learn more about the support we offer by visiting https://www.kmpt.nhs.uk/our-services/
