Mental Health
Medway (RIVER) Kingsley House
Kingsley House,37-45 Balmoral Road,Gillingham, Gillingham ME7 4NT
Overview
Medway RIVER Kingsley House is a healthcare and support facility located in Gillingham, Kent. RIVER typically stands for a community-based health or social care initiative, and this establishment appears to serve the local Medway population by providing integrated health and wellbeing services. The facility is situated on Balmoral Road in a residential area of Gillingham, making it accessible to the community it serves.
The organisation likely provides a range of clinical and support services, which may include community health services, rehabilitation, therapy provision, or specialist nursing care. Kingsley House functions as a hub for delivering healthcare to residents across the Medway area, working with patients who require ongoing medical support or rehabilitation services.
For those seeking services or wishing to access facilities at Kingsley House, the ME7 postcode area is well-served by local transport links. The facility works within the NHS framework to provide coordinated care, and local residents can typically access services through standard healthcare referral routes or by contacting the organisation directly for information about available programmes and support.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can access mental health services at Medway (RIVER) Kingsley House in Gillingham 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 03001 231560 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 Medway (RIVER) Kingsley House, you may have a crisis plan with direct contact numbers.
Medway (RIVER) Kingsley House 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 Medway (RIVER) Kingsley House 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.
Some services at Medway (RIVER) Kingsley House 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 03001 231560 to check which services you can self-refer to.
Yes, Medway (RIVER) Kingsley House 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.
Yes, consultant psychiatrists at Medway (RIVER) Kingsley House 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.
Medway (RIVER) Kingsley House 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 03001 231560 for information about substance misuse support.
If you have complex mental health needs, Medway (RIVER) Kingsley House 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.
Medway (RIVER) Kingsley House 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 03001 231560 about current group programmes.
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.
Waiting times vary depending on the service and urgency. NHS Talking Therapies aims to start treatment within 6 weeks of referral. Community Mental Health Team assessments may take 4-12 weeks. Urgent referrals are prioritised. Contact 03001 231560 for current waiting times. While waiting, you can access self-help resources, crisis lines, and wellbeing apps recommended by the NHS.
Medway (RIVER) Kingsley House recognises the impact of mental illness on families and carers. Support may include family meetings with the clinical team, carer support groups, information sessions about conditions and treatments, signposting to organisations like Mind, Rethink Mental Illness, and Carers UK, and involvement in care planning with the patient's consent.
Medway (RIVER) Kingsley House 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.