Liaison Psychiatry

We are a multidisciplinary team who provide specialist assessment and treatment to individuals with complex needs at the interface between mental and physical health on an outpatient basis. We offer therapy-based interventions and have expertise in working with individuals with Persistent Physical Symptoms (PPS) and Long-Term Conditions (LTCs) with a focus on helping those whom, due to the complexity of their problems, are unsuitable for primary care or mainstream mental health services.

About the service and how to get in touch

Our team is composed of different healthcare professionals, including Liaison Psychiatrists, Occupational Therapists, Mental Health Nurses, Psychotherapists and a Physiotherapist.

Referral information

We only accept referrals from any health or social care professional. Information for healthcare professionals is at the bottom of the page. If the referral is accepted, we will offer the person an appointment for an assessment with the team and they will receive a booklet either by post or email containing questionnaires that will help guide our assessment and treatment.

We are unable to accept self-referrals so please speak with your GP or relevant health professional if you feel you would benefit from our services.

What will happen at the first appointment?

• A first appointment will usually last up to 90 minutes. You will be seen by a member of our team face to face. We are based at the Becklin Centre and Leeds General Infirmary, Great George Street, Leeds, LS1 3EX.
  • There is the option for remote appointments. Please ring the service to organise a remote appointment after receiving your appointment letter. Our remote appointments are offered via the Attend Anywhere platform. Information on how to use this platform will be sent to you prior to your appointment.
• There will be an opportunity to talk about your current problems and how they are affecting your daily life. We’ll discuss what help is available for your specific needs.
• This appointment will be with one our Liaison Psychiatrists, Specialist Nurses or Therapists.

What might happen next?

• The clinician will agree a plan with you, dependent on your individual needs.
• This might include being offered individual therapy in the department, a review of medication, or other guidance and advice.
• We will liaise with the other professionals involved in your care, giving recommendations where appropriate.
• Sometimes our service might not be the right one. If this happens, we’ll offer recommendations for what other services or treatment might be appropriate.
• Treatment with the team is time-limited, for us to help you achieve your specific goals.

Information for healthcare professionals

We accept referrals from any health or social care professional. Upon receipt of a referral, the team will review the referral and contact you if further information is required. If accepted, we will offer the person an appointment for an assessment with the team and they will receive a booklet either by post or email containing questionnaires that will help guide our assessment and treatment.
To make a referral, please send an email or letter to the above email address. To process your referral, we will need the following:

• Name, NHS number and contact details for the patient
• Name and contact details of the referrer
• Information as to why the patient is being referred, a description of their presenting issues and relevant treatment history to date.

Please ensure that the patient is aware of and consents to the referral being made as any correspondence regarding the referral, such as suggestions of alternative services that may be of more help, will be sent to the patient.

We welcome discussions about potential referrals and have a dedicated member of staff on duty to facilitate these discussions.

If you would like to speak with the duty person about a potential referral, please telephone 0113 8556730 or alternatively email The Liaison Psychiatry Outpatient Service with details of your query. The duty person is available between 2pm and 4pm Monday to Friday (or 1pm and 3pm on Thursdays).