Liaison Psychiatry

We are a small team that provide access to a consultant liaison psychiatrist and in some cases a specialist mental health therapist. We care for people whose mental health is significantly affected by the complexity of their physical health when diagnosed with a palliative condition.

Who we are

We are part of the Liaison Psychiatry Service, which addresses the connection between complex physical and mental health.

When someone is diagnosed with a palliative condition, it is common to feel low in mood or worried about the future. These difficult feelings can feel more manageable after a period of time. People often find ways to cope by connecting with the people, places and activities important to them even though they are going through an incredibly challenging time of life. However, some may continue to experience significant mental health challenges, like ongoing anxiety or depression, which affects their quality of life. While others may have an existing mental illness that is harder to manage when diagnosed with a life limiting condition.

The liaison psychiatry palliative care service has been developed to reflect the need for timely access to mental health assessment and intervention for people who have a life limiting diagnosis.

What to expect

Referrals: Only clinical staff at Wheatfields, St Gemma’s Hospice, or Leeds Teaching Hospitals can refer patients to this service.

Assessment: Referrals are reviewed, and accepted cases are booked for an initial assessment, typically lasting about an hour. This appointment explores current mental health challenges and background information.

Care plan: A care plan is created based on the person’s mental health needs, often in collaboration with the hospice teams. Follow-up appointments may be suggested.

Who can be referred?

Patients who:

1. Are experiencing mental health challenges directly caused by the worsening of their physical health
2. Have a unique response to illness with very self-critical thoughts, avoiding certain situations, relying on specific habits to feel safe or thinking in ways that make it harder to cope.
3. Have not benefited from previous mental health interventions within palliative care services.
4. Are struggling with a combination of significant physical and mental health challenges that affect their wellbeing and treatment.

Who cannot be referred?

• People in a mental health crisis. Learn more about urgent referrals or call 0300 300 1485.
• Family members or carers who need support. Other resources and support is available from Family Support Teams or Carers Leeds.
• Individuals already receiving care from another mental health service.

Note: Our service does not offer long-term therapy.

Information for service users and carers

• Download our booklet on understanding the feeling of panic when you get breathless.