- Overview
- Available Locations
- Contacting us and opening hours
- How do I register for this service?
- About us
- Meet the team
- Reviews and feedback
- Useful resources and links
Type
Urgent Care and Assessment TeamThe Urgent Care and Assessment Team aims to make sure a responsive assessment is given by our multi-disciplinary team to service users in Northamptonshire.
This can result in urgent short-term access as a home treatment, or signposting / referral to the most appropriate service to support service users with their needs.
Who is this service for? This service is for adults in Northamptonshire.
Available Locations
Contacting us and opening hours
Referral to this service is by a healthcare professional only.
UCAT South - 0300 11 11 004
UCAT North - 0300 11 11 005
Services are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
How do I register for this service?
Referral to this service is by a healthcare professional only.
Why have I been referred to UCAT?
People are referred to the Urgent Care and Assessment Team (UCAT) because they or somebody else has raised concerns about their mental health and it was felt an assessment was necessary.
It may be that they are experiencing common mental health problems, emotional distress or a mental health crisis. This could take many forms but most often occurs when our normal ways of coping break down. This can lead to feeling overwhelmed, out of control and in some cases suicidal.
What happens once I have been referred to UCAT?
After receiving a referral we will contact you to discuss the individual's needs and plan an initial assessment if this is needed.
The assessment will be arranged at an agreed time and location. During this assessment individuals are asked questions about their mental and physical health history, thoughts and feelings, life experiences, lifestyle, goals, medications and substance use. They will also have the opportunity to ask questions.
If the assessment shows that we are the appropriate team to help the individual, a care plan will be agreed with them. This may be provided through the team's home treatment workers. As a team we will discuss how best to support the individual, which may include onward referrals to other services.
About us
The Urgent Care and Assessment team is multi-disciplinary in nature. Within the team, there are a range of professionals with different skills and levels of training to benefit the service provision.
The service provides the following commissioned functions under one umbrella:
- Urgent mental health assessment
- Home treatment
What can I expect from the Urgent Care and Assessment Team?
- Short term interventions
- Psycho-education
- Frequency of contact dependent on level of need
- Review and/or initiation of medication as required
- Symptom management
- Mental health promotion including information and self-help
- Build on individual's strengths to promote independence
- Problem identification and achievable goal setting
- Management of emotional distress
- Building emotional resilience
- Information and education to be provided to family and carers
- Self-directed recovery plans
Meet the team
The Urgent Care and Assessment Team is a multi-disciplinary community based team which consists of a range of professionals with different skills and training.
Together we provide an integrated, holistic, recovery-focused service working closely with community mental health teams, inpatient services, primary care services, mental health liaison and GPs, as well as other local agencies.
The team may include:
- Operations manager
- Clinical team leaders
- Psychiatrists
- Community mental health and learning disability nurses
- Occupational therapists
- Social workers
- Psychologists
- Assistant psychologists
- Support workers
- Administrative and clerical staff
Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (NHFT) is a training Trust, so from time to time students from all disciplines may be involved in care, though this does not affect service users' confidentiality or treatment.
Reviews and feedback
Feedback is a gift. It lets us know when we are doing well and helps us to develop and improve when we are not meeting your needs.
You can leave feedback on our service by completing one of our online surveys. Please choose the survey for the area where you live.
North Northamptonshire UCAT feedback
West Northamptonshire UCAT feedback
Useful resources and links
Our Organisation
NHS Northamptonshire Talking Therapies
Providing talking therapies, you can sign up online.
The Mental Health Number
Available 24 hours a day, the service can provide support with your mental health and connect you with the right teams for your needs.
Other Organisations
The LowDown
Free and confidential counselling, sexual health and LGBTQ support in Northampton for young people aged 12-25. You can access the service by calling 01604 634385
Time2Talk
A range of free and confidential services for young people In Daventry aged 13-25. You can access the service by calling 01327 706706
Northamptonshire Mind
Offers recovery-based services to adults and young people who live in the areas of Northampton, Daventry, Brackley, Towcester or South Northants. You can access the service by calling 01604 634310/624951
Substance to Solution (S2S)
Provide support for adults (over 18) with substance misuse issues within the Northamptonshire area. 01604 211304
Northamptonshire Rape Crisis
An independent charity that supports people who have been sexually abused, assaulted or raped. 01604 250721
Restore Northampton
The projects range from crisis support, providing food and necessities to those suffering from unforeseen economic hardship, to longer term support work in the form of sharing skills and giving emotional and practical support. 01604 32804
Northamptonshire Carers
Support services to carers living in Northamptonshire. General enquiries 01933 677837 or carers support Line 01933 677907
Community Law Service Northampton and County
Specialist Social Welfare advice for residents of Northamptonshire providing independent and confidential specialist legal advice, representation, training and consultancy services. Working in partnership with a wide range of statutory and voluntary agencies. 01604 621038
VoiceAbility Northamptonshire
Care and support advocacy, a Total Voice advocate can help you be heard, understand your choices and make your own decisions. 01604 592702
Samaritans
A safe place for you to talk any time you like, in your own way - about whatever's getting to you. You don't have to be suicidal. 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. 116 123 (this number is free) 01604 637637