The Acute Therapy Service (ATS) in East Lancashire delivers a comprehensive six-day intensive support programme right within the community. This vital service is designed to aid individuals aged 16 and over who are experiencing a mental health crisis. It offers a crucial alternative to hospital admission, helping people avoid the need for inpatient care, and can also facilitate an earlier discharge for those already in hospital, allowing them to continue their recovery in a more familiar and less restrictive environment.
At its heart, the ATS is a psychologically led programme, with all aspects of its delivery underpinned by the principles of Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT). This evidence-based model provides a robust framework for helping individuals manage intense emotions and challenging behaviours. The effectiveness of this approach was clearly demonstrated during the initial pilot phase; in the 12 months following its launch, the ATS successfully prevented further hospital admissions for approximately 85% of the service users who engaged with the programme, a testament to its significant impact on crisis management and recovery.
Our service provides a secure and welcoming environment where individuals can actively engage with specific psychological interventions tailored to help them manage their emotions. We are committed to offering a safe, friendly, and immensely supportive atmosphere, staffed by positive and empathetic professionals. A key component of our programme involves educating service users about their emotions. We understand that research consistently indicates a strong link between comprehending one's emotions and being better equipped to regulate them. Therefore, we dedicate time to teaching these fundamental concepts. Beyond understanding, we also provide hands-on support and teach practical skills specifically designed to help individuals regulate their emotions during periods of distress. Our aim is to equip you with the tools and techniques necessary to navigate these difficult times more effectively, fostering greater emotional resilience and promoting long-term well-being. The emphasis is firmly on empowering individuals to take an active role in their mental health journey, providing them with the resources to cope with and overcome challenging emotional states within a supportive community setting.
http://www.lscft.nhs.uk/our-services/service-finder-z/acute-therapy-service
