FAQs - Open Arms

What is OPEN-ARMS?

The Oxfordshire Prevention and Early detectioN service (OPEN-ARMS) is a mental health service for young people (14-35 years old), living in Oxford. We provide support for up to two years, for people struggling with unusual experiences like hearing voices or feeling paranoid.

How can OPEN-ARMS help?

The service is currently being developed.

Our team of psychiatrists and psychologists can currently offer:
● Comprehensive assessment of psychotic-like symptoms, including long-term monitoring (up to two years) where indicated
● Medical review for individuals that are 18-year-old and above
● Psychoeducation and resources for coping with unusual experience (e.g., perceptual abnormalities; unusual thoughts),
● Facilitated referral to third parties for support around functional decline (Y-IPS) and substance misuse
● Psychological (CBT-based) and medical support for comorbid conditions (e.g., anxiety, depression).

Who can I expect to see at the clinic?

When you first arrive to the clinic, you will be welcomed by the administration team in reception, and they will let our team know that you have arrived.

One of the doctors or psychologists will come to the reception area to invite you into the clinic room where the assessment will take place.

Do I need to bring anything to my appointment?

No, you do not need to bring anything to the appointment.

What if I am too afraid to leave the house to come to my appointment?

Our team can offer online appointments, wherever possible.

What if I live outside Oxford?

The Oxfordshire Prevention and Early detectioN service (OPEN) is a mental health service for young people (14-35 years old), living in Oxford. If you live outside of Oxford, please contact your GP to discuss what services may be available to help you with unusual experiences.

How frequently will I have appointments?

If you are accepted into the service, you will be invited for follow-up reviews at 3, 6, 12 and 24 months after your initial assessment.

You may require more regular medical and psychology appointments depending on your support needs.

What are the opening hours for OPEN?

Our working hours are 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday.

We don’t offer crisis/emergency support. If you are in crisis and need urgent help, there are some useful contacts here [hyperlink to emergency section]. You may like to save these numbers in your phone in case you need them.

How do I contact the OPEN team?