The diabetes psychology service assesses and provides treatment and consultation for people with diabetes who have psychological issues.
Psychologists help to address difficulties including:
- Difficulty adjusting to a diagnosis of diabetes
- Diabetes-distress or ‘burnout’
- Psychological distress affecting treatment or recovery, such as depression
- Anxiety or phobias that interfere with treatment, such as fear of hypoglycaemia or needle phobia
- Difficulty managing treatment or making lifestyle changes
- Difficulty coping with complications of diabetes, including multiple complications or recurrent hypoglycaemia
- Issues with eating and insulin omission due to weight concerns
- Post-traumatic stress symptoms connected with diabetes or its treatment, including trauma after admission to hospital
- Psychological distress after treatment, for example, changes to appearance
- Psychological distress linked to disability or loss of bodily function.
We can also work with you to assess your psychological needs and prepare for new or major treatments. For example, an insulin pump therapy or surgery.
Diabetes centre
We work closely with specialist nurses, doctors and dietitians from Newcastle Diabetes Centre.
Part of our work is to provide consultation, training, supervision and support for staff. We also educate patients and work in diabetes clinics.
Where will I be seen?
Most appointments are held at our outpatient department at the Royal Victoria Infirmary. You may also be offered support via telephone or video conferencing.
We might also see people at the Newcastle Diabetes Centre.
How can I be referred into the service?
You can be referred to us by the Diabetes Centre or from other healthcare teams.
If you think you might benefit from a consultation with us, please speak to your doctor or other member of your healthcare team.
Meet the team
The diabetes psychology service team includes:
Consultant clinical psychologist
Manages and supports the service.
Clinical psychologist
Provide sessions for the diabetes service
Trainee psychologists
These are graduate psychologists developing their skills under supervision
Assistant psychologist
Support to develop the service, training and support for our clinical work
Administration
Look after the organisation of our work and are often a first point of contact with our service.
Clinical psychologists
Sometimes we have assistant clinical psychologists and trainee psychologists working with us.
More information
Useful websites
Diabetes UK – the leading national diabetes charity provides information, advice and support to help people manage their diabetes.
Diabetes UK Careline – confidential diabetes helpline offering information and support for people with diabetes, their family, friends and carers.
Newcastle Diabetes Centre
Newcastle Diabetes Centre helpline
NTW self-help leaflets on common mental health problems, including leaflets on anxiety, depression and eating disorders.
Contact us
Email nuth.healthpsychology@nhs.nettel: 0191 282 4081
Office hours
Monday – Friday: 9am – 5pm
Psychology in Health Care
Old Childrens Outpatients
Royal Victoria Infirmary
Queen Victoria Road
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 4LP
