There are many reasons why patients and their families might see someone in the renal psychology service.
You might see someone in our team if you
- Have difficulty adjusting to being diagnosed with a kidney condition and having treatment for a kidney condition.
- Have worries or distress about being in hospital and coping with medical procedures and treatment.
- Need help to handle emotions, low mood and anxiety linked to health problems.
- Need help to manage physical symptoms and body changes.
- Need help with decision-making about treatment options.
- Have difficulties in relationships with friends or family
- Have behavioural issues related to health problems.
- Have concerns about the future.
- or your parent or carer have worries.
We also routinely meet all families when children and young people are preparing to have a kidney transplant, to offer a ‘psychosocial’ assessment to help identify any support the family needs.
Appointments with the psychologist can be in a number of locations, including hospital wards, outpatient clinics, medical clinics, and schools. We now also offer online video appointments using the platform Attend Anywhere.
The location of your appointment will depend on the reason for your appointment, the distance you live from the Royal Victoria Infirmary (Great North Children’s Hospital) and how frequently you are medically reviewed by the team. 
How can I access the service?
If you would like to speak to the paediatric renal psychologists, please ask one of the other people in the renal team who will be able to put you in touch with the psychologists.
You can also contact the psychology team directly using the information below. Other family members, for example siblings or parents/carers, can also be referred to this service if they are struggling to cope with the impact of a family member having a kidney condition.
Contact
Psychology in health care
Old children’s outpatients
Office block 26
Royal Victoria Infirmary
Queen Victoria Road
Newcastle
NE1 4LP
Tel: 0191 282 4081
Email health psychology
Opening times
We have an answering service outside these hours.
- Monday to Thursday, 9am – 5pm
- Friday, 9am – 4pm
Online mental health support
There are lots of resources online offering mental health support which may be useful for you.
YoungMinds
YoungMinds is an organization which offers young people tools to look after their mental health.
It has lots of advice and further information about what to do if you are having difficulties with how you feel. This charity has information for young people, parents and those who work with young people. YoungMinds also provides useful information and videos about feelings, coping and how you can support a friend struggling with mental health difficulties.
Kooth
Kooth is another useful resource available online. This platform has been designed for children and young people aged between 11 and 24.
This is an anonymous site which can help children and young people feel safe in exploring their concerns and seeking support from professionals. This service is available 24/7 and lets young people provide peer-to-peer support through moderated online discussion boards. Support can be offered through online counselling via chat-based messaging, sessions are available to be booked or drop-in.
Crisis support
Psychology in Healthcare is not a crisis service
If you require urgent support, please contact your local GP, A&E or a crisis service.
If your child/young person is experiencing a mental health emergency and you live in County Durham, Darlington, Teesside and North Yorkshire, you can contact your local CAMHS crisis and liaison team on 0800 0516 171.
If you live in Cumbria, Northumberland or Tyne and Wear, and your child/young person is requiring urgent help with their mental health, you can contact 0800 652 2865.
Useful websites
General information about kidney conditions
Videos/advice to help parents/carers prepare children and young people for hospital and medical procedures
What? Why? Children in Hospital (WWCIH)
Information and support about bullying
Support and advice with parenting or family issues
Health advice and signposting for parents/carers and young people
Healthier Together (North East & North Cumbria)
Useful books
The following books may be helpful for different areas of support:
- Blame My Brain: the Amazing Teenage Brain Revealed. Nicola Morgan.
- Helping Your Child with a Physical Health Condition – a Self-Help Guide for Parents. Mandy Bryon and Penny Titman.
- The Incredible Years – A Trouble-Shooting Guide for Parents of Children Aged 3-8. Carolyn Webster-Stratton.
- Your Child Your Way: Create a Positive Parenting Pattern. Tanya Byron.
- The Whole Brain Child: 12 proven strategies to nurture your child’s developing mind. Daniel J Siegel & Tina Payne Bryson.
