Clinical Psychology, Medicine Specialties

What we do

The Clinical Health Psychology Service at Southmead Hospital Bristol assists people in managing the psychological impact of a wide range of medical conditions.

Who we see

We support individuals to adjust and to live with various health conditions. Our service is accessible to people who are currently being supported by one or more of the NBT specialty teams in Medicine listed below:

• Cardiology
• Respiratory
• Gastroenterology
• Immunology/infectious diseases/HIV
• Diabetes/endocrinology

Why clinical psychology?

Trying to fit a health condition into day-to-day life including work, family and social life is a challenge. It can feel difficult to manage at times, and understandably family can also worry. Sometimes it can feel difficult to come to terms with necessary limitations and changes to daily life. Talking to a clinical psychologist can help you to adjust and to understand what is going on in your life, and to live well with the condition.

A clinical psychologist can help with:

• Strong emotions such as sadness, fear and anger, especially when first diagnosed.
• Anxiety relating to your condition (e.g., panic attacks, worry, avoidance).
• Feeling down or depressed; having no energy or a lack of sleep.
• Learning to live with and manage the condition.
• Support and techniques to help you make lifestyle changes.
• Support around self-care issues.
• Managing stress and feeling overwhelmed.
• Relationship issues and sex life.