The cleft psychology service routinely provides advice and support for all patients and their families affected by cleft lip and palate across the South West. This service is available to you at any age and we can provide support for a number of cleft-related issues including:

• Preparing for surgery and treatment
• Dealing with the attitudes of other people
• Depression and anxiety
• Preparing for change
• Appearance concerns
• Family and relationship tensions

We can offer one-off advice and support as well as appointments for therapy or counselling. We routinely attend the cleft clinics and when possible will visit you on the ward if you ever need inpatient care. You can ask to speak to one of our team during or after a clinic appointment or call or email us on 0117 3421177 or ubh-tr.swcleftservice@nhs.net. If we don't answer please leave a message and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

The information you share with us is treated as confidential and will not be shared unless we have concerns about your safety. If you see one of us for counselling or therapy we will not share any of the information with the rest of the cleft team or with other services without your permission.

All the members of your cleft team including the cleft surgeon, orthodontist, psychologist, cleft dentist, cleft dental nurses, speech and language therapists and dental hygienist can help answer questions and concerns that you may have. 

You might also find support from the following organisations helpful:

CLAPA

Changing Faces