Mental Health Services

What to do in a Crisis

If you feel that you can’t keep yourself safe or if self-harming has gone too far, visit A&E or call: 999

If you urgently need specialist advice the Initial Response Service WHO offer 24/7 support and information for Sunderland and South Tyneside on: 0303 123 1145, or freephone: 0800 652 2867


Adult Counselling Service

One in four adults will experience mental illness in any year.

While you are waiting for your counselling appointment you can look at some self-help sites that can give information on coping strategies;

Self-refer to the Sunderland Psychological Wellbeing Service by calling 0191 566 5454 or clicking the following link SunderlandIAPTService.

If you feel you are struggling while you are waiting for your appointment then there are services available when you need help immediately, such as:


Children and Young People’s Services (CYPS)

The Children and Young People’s Service provides a single service to all children and young people aged 0-18 years living in South Tyneside and Sunderland who present with mental health difficulties. This includes children and young people who may have learning difficulties and those living in a range of difficult and challenging circumstances.

The Service is Able to Provide:

  • Assessment, diagnosis and intervention on a range of mental health issues.
  • Intensive response and home-based treatment for those children and young people whose mental health is causing significant concern.
  • An intensive Eating Disorder Service to support children and young people on the eating disorder pathway who are at risk of an inpatient admission.
  • A comprehensive transition support package to those young people who are approaching their 18th birthday and may need continuing support as adults.
  • 24 hour access to support via a single point of access.
  • Training, consultation, support and advice to front line staff working in targeted services for children.

How to get Referred


Referrals will be accepted from any professional working with child, young person or their family and self referrals can also be made. Referrals are accepted in written form by letter or fax. Referrals can also be made on the telephone.

Contact CYPS:

Telephone: 0191 566 5500 or freephone 0800 652 2868 – Fax: 0191 566 5534 Email: [email protected] 

Opening Times: Monday – Friday 8am – 8pm