Mental Health
Kent & Canterbury Hospital
Trust Offices,Ethelbert Road,Canterbury, Canterbury CT1 3NG
Overview
Kent and Canterbury Hospital is a major acute healthcare facility located in Canterbury, serving the local community and surrounding areas of East Kent. The hospital provides a comprehensive range of medical and surgical services to both inpatients and outpatients, operating as part of the wider NHS structure within the Kent healthcare system. The facility has a long history of serving Canterbury and the surrounding region, contributing significantly to healthcare provision in the area.
The hospital offers various clinical departments and services including emergency care, general medicine, surgery, and specialist outpatient clinics. It serves patients across a wide demographic, from acute emergency cases to those requiring planned procedures and ongoing medical management. The Trust Offices location on Ethelbert Road represents the administrative centre for hospital operations and management.
As an NHS facility, Kent and Canterbury Hospital is committed to providing accessible, quality healthcare to all patients who require it. The hospital continues to develop its services and facilities to meet the evolving needs of the local population it serves.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can access mental health services at Kent & Canterbury Hospital in Canterbury through a GP referral, self-referral (available for NHS Talking Therapies and some community services), or through NHS 111 if you need urgent support. Contact 01227 866308 to find out about referral pathways and current waiting times. In a crisis, call NHS 111 and select the mental health option, or call the Samaritans on 116 123.
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999. For a mental health crisis, call NHS 111 and select the mental health option for 24/7 support, contact your local Crisis Resolution and Home Treatment Team, call the Samaritans on 116 123 (free, 24/7), text SHOUT to 85258, or attend A&E if you feel unsafe. If you are already known to Kent & Canterbury Hospital, you may have a crisis plan with direct contact numbers.
Kent & Canterbury Hospital offers a range of evidence-based therapies which may include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), counselling, psychotherapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), group therapy, art and creative therapies, and family therapy. The specific therapies available depend on the service. Your treatment plan will be tailored to your individual needs.
Yes, all treatment at Kent & Canterbury Hospital is strictly confidential under NHS policy and data protection law. Information is only shared with healthcare professionals directly involved in your care. Confidentiality may only be broken in exceptional circumstances where there is a serious risk of harm to yourself or others, a court order, or a safeguarding obligation.
Kent & Canterbury Hospital may offer group therapy programmes which provide peer support alongside professional guidance. Groups may focus on anxiety management, depression recovery, DBT skills, mindfulness and stress reduction, bereavement, and substance misuse support. Groups are led by trained therapists and typically run for 8-12 weeks. Ask 01227 866308 about current group programmes.
Some services at Kent & Canterbury Hospital accept self-referrals without needing to see your GP first. NHS Talking Therapies (for anxiety and depression) can be accessed by self-referral in most areas. Other services such as Community Mental Health Teams and specialist services usually require a GP or professional referral. Contact 01227 866308 to check which services you can self-refer to.
Yes, Kent & Canterbury Hospital may offer remote therapy options including telephone sessions, video consultations, and guided online self-help programmes. Remote therapy is clinically effective for many conditions and offers greater flexibility. It is particularly helpful for those with mobility issues, caring responsibilities, or who prefer the comfort of their own home. Ask about remote options when you are referred.
Kent & Canterbury Hospital may provide or link to specialist perinatal mental health services for women experiencing mental health difficulties during pregnancy or in the first year after birth. Conditions include antenatal and postnatal depression, anxiety, PTSD from birth trauma, and postpartum psychosis. Early treatment is vital for both mother and baby. Ask your GP or midwife about perinatal mental health referrals.
Kent & Canterbury Hospital provides support for a wide range of mental health conditions including depression, anxiety disorders (generalised anxiety, social anxiety, panic disorder), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), bipolar disorder, personality disorders, eating disorders, psychosis and schizophrenia, perinatal mental health, and complex emotional difficulties.
Kent & Canterbury Hospital may provide or link to services for people with dual diagnosis (co-occurring mental health and substance misuse problems). Support can include assessment, counselling, harm reduction advice, detox support, and referral to specialist addiction services. Contact 01227 866308 for information about substance misuse support.
Kent & Canterbury Hospital may offer or link to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) for young people up to 18. Services include assessment and therapy for anxiety, depression, self-harm, eating disorders, ADHD, autism, and behavioural difficulties. Referrals can come from GPs, schools, or in some areas through self-referral. Some areas also have early intervention teams for young people experiencing psychosis.
Your first appointment is usually an assessment lasting 45-60 minutes. A mental health professional will ask about your current difficulties, their impact on your life, your mental health history, physical health, medication, and what you hope to achieve. This is a collaborative conversation — you will not be pressured to share anything you are not comfortable with. After the assessment, you will discuss the most suitable treatment options.
If you have complex mental health needs, Kent & Canterbury Hospital may use the Care Programme Approach (CPA). Under CPA you will have a named care coordinator, a comprehensive care plan developed with you, regular reviews of your care and progress, and a structured plan for when you are ready to be discharged from the service. CPA ensures coordinated, person-centred care across different services.
Yes, consultant psychiatrists at Kent & Canterbury Hospital can prescribe and manage psychiatric medications including antidepressants, anti-anxiety medication, mood stabilisers, and antipsychotics. Medication is usually combined with talking therapy for the best outcomes. Regular reviews ensure your medication is working effectively and monitor for side effects. Your GP may take over prescribing once your condition is stable.