The majority of people with mental health difficulties are treated and supported in primary care (services provided at GP practices) and/or services provided by voluntary sector organisations. People with more serious or complex needs who cannot be helped in primary care may be referred to secondary care mental health services. In Sheffield, these are mainly provided by Sheffield Health and Social Care NHS Foundation Trust (SHSC). Wherever someone receives help, there is usually a range of treatments and support available.

Mental health services in Sheffield reflect the stepped care approach. Stepped care means offering people quick access to the help they need to prevent problems becoming more serious. It also ensures that the services on offer are suitable and appropriate for that individual, and people can receive a higher or lower level of care depending on their needs. Please see the diagram below.

The mental health charity Washington Mind runs a wellbeing website which features a useful explanation of the stepped care approach in mental health.  Click here to see it.