Being infected with hepatitis C or HIV from blood or blood products may have affected you and your family members in different ways. This may include having an impact on your psychological wellbeing or mental health.
Support is available through talking therapies, also known as psychological therapies, and this page provides information on how you can access this.
There are two options available to access talking therapies:
- NHS talking therapies.
- The England Infected Blood Support Scheme (EIBSS) – counselling and talking therapy funding.
NHS talking therapies
NHS talking therapies, or psychological therapies, are effective and confidential treatments delivered by fully trained and accredited practitioners. All forms of talking therapy involve working with a practitioner, who can help you speak about your situation and find ways to manage.
There are a number of NHS services who can provide you with support, and help you to better manage conditions such as stress, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and long-term health conditions.
Find out more about NHS talking therapies
Most talking therapies are provided through Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) services. A GP can refer you, or you can refer yourself directly to an NHS psychological therapies service (IAPT) without a referral from a GP.
Find an NHS psychological therapies service (IAPT)
The EIBSS - counselling and talking therapy funding
The EIBSS is able to provide up to £900 per year, towards counselling and talking therapy costs for private treatments. This is for someone who has been infected by blood products and is also available for their families.
Funding is available for:
- the cost of an assessment with a registered therapist
- the cost of talking therapy sessions