Service overview
We help adults (18+) who come to A&E or are in hospital with a mental health crisis or self‑harm. We can check your needs, make a safety plan, and link you to community teams.
We can help you recover if you're experiencing problems related to your mental health condition, such as stress, anxiety, or alcohol and drug misuse.
We are known as both Psychological Medicine Service (PMS) and East Berkshire Psychological Medicine (EBPM).
Accessing our service
We are an urgent care service, open 24/7.
We are based at:
- Wexham Park Hospital in Slough
- Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading
You can be referred to us if you’re over 18 and you:
- are being treated at an Emergency Department
- have been admitted to hospital because of a mental health crisis
- are being treated in hospital and there is evidence of self-harm
We do not accept self-referrals
Services for children and young people
If you’re under 18, or you have concerns about someone you care for who is under 18, our Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) can help you.
Your assessment
Effective care of a mental health condition can mean a better quality of life for you and could help reduce the need for you to go back into hospital in future.
We can diagnose a range of mental health needs such as depression, psychosis and anxiety.
We will meet and assess you either in the Emergency Department, or on a general ward.
We will talk about the right mental health assessments and treatments with you, which will include a safety plan.
We can also make sure you have the right guidance and support once you’ve left hospital, and that you can access resources through our community teams while you’re at home.
We work closely with other mental health services including the Crisis Resolution and home Treatment Team (CRHTT), memory clinic, and drug and alcohol services.
We will also inform your GP of your care needs and the recovery plan we have created with you.
Managing your health
Your e-Health Passport
Your e-Health Passport lets us know what's important to you - from your preferred name and pronouns to how you'd like us to support you and communicate with you.
Learn moreContact us and FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Who should I contact if I'm experiencing mental health issues for the first time?
Talk to your GP.
They can assess you, give advice, and refer you to support and other services (if needed).
What if I’m not sure what to do or need help right away?
Call NHS 111 for advice.
We can also help you with:
Is there any information for friends, family and carers?
If you’re a family member, carer, or you look after someone, there’s practical, financial, and emotional support available from a range of local communities and national organisations.
How do I request an interpreter?
We can provide language translation and interpretation support.
Tell our staff which language you prefer to use, and we will make sure the right communication support is in place for your assessment and treatment. Please let us know as early as possible so we can ensure the appropriate translation or interpreting support is available.
We offer a range of professional services to ensure everyone can understand and be understood:
- Telephone interpreting
- Video remote interpreting (VRI)
- Face‑to‑face interpreting
- Written translation
- British Sign Language (BSL) interpreting
How can I get information in an accessible format?
Anyone with a disability, impairment, or sensory loss has the right to get information in a format that meets their needs.
The Accessible Information Standard (AIS) is a legal requirement for all health and adult social care providers. This means making sure that people who use our services, including carers and families, can understand our information and communicate with us easily.
We can offer information in a range of accessible formats, including:
- British Sign Language (BSL)
- Large print
- Braille
- Audio
- Easy read
- Text message
- Face‑to‑face support with a carer or advocate present
If you need information in any of these formats, please tell a member of our team and we will make sure your communication needs are met.
Are service dogs allowed at my appointment?
Yes, you are welcome to bring your registered service animal, such as a guide dog, hearing dog, medical alert dog, or other trained assistance dog to your appointment.
These animals are recognised as essential support and are permitted in most areas of our services.
To help us prepare, please let the team know before your appointment if you will be attending with a service animal. This allows us to make sure the environment is safe and comfortable for you, your animal, and other patients.
Please note that service animals may not be able to enter certain restricted clinical areas for safety or infection‑control reasons, but we will always work with you to find an appropriate alternative.
What does it mean to treat our team with respect?
Respect is important.
We will be polite and kind and we expect that you treat our staff in the same way.
Abuse, hate and discrimination against our staff is unacceptable.
We will take strong action against anyone who is verbally, racially, physically, or sexually abusive to them.
This may include contacting the police to prosecute, and stopping future access to our healthcare services.
How do I find my NHS number?
The easiest way to find your NHS number is using the official NHS online service which can be accessed below.
You may also want to read our guidance page for more information about other ways to find your NHS number or what to do if you cannot find yours.
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