CPFT Mood Disorders Research Clinic

The CPFT Mood Disorders Research Clinic is a multidisciplinary team helping people across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough with mood disorders like depression and bipolar 
affective disorder. We aim to support patients and their families with tailored advice and deliver research and development projects to improve care for mood disorders, including pioneering innovative treatments and new therapies. 

Our specialist service integrates clinical care and research for people aged 18 and above with mood disorders, especially treatment-resistant depression. We provide comprehensive, evidence-based psychiatric assessments and guidance on future treatment, as well as offering people the opportunity to take part in research.  

This clinic is hosted by CPFT working in partnership with the University of Cambridge and is part of the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Mental Health Translational Research Collaboration (MH-TRC) Mood Disorders Network.

How our service can help

Who is it for 

The clinic welcomes people: 

  • aged 18-65; 

  • who live in Cambridgeshire; 

  • who have depression (bipolar or unipolar); 

  • who have not benefited from at least two treatments, including medication and/or talking therapies; 

  • with an interest in research involvement. 

What do we offer 

We offer a structured triage, risk assessment, and, if suitable, a one-off review with a psychiatrist, during which you will be informed about ongoing research opportunities. 

Please note: the MDRC is not a clinical service that can provide ongoing support, or provide urgent or emergency care. You will remain under the care of your current clinician. If experiencing any urgent symptoms, you are advised to please call 111 and follow the directions for mental health support – or to call 999 if life threatening. 

Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement 

The clinic has a dedicated PPIE group, who are working in partnership with clinicians to co-design the service. 

Referral information

How to refer  

Referrals are currently being accepted internally from CPFT services working between primary and secondary care, such as the Primary Care Mental Health Service and Talking Therapies through SystmOne electronic referrals , and self-referral pathways will be added later. 

What happens after we receive a referral   

First you will be sent some questionnaires via text or email. We may also send you information about any open research studies we are running.  

T he clinic will then contact you to discuss whether the service is suitable for you. If it is , we may send you some pre-assessment questionnaires to complete before your appointment. We will also explain any current research opportunities you could take part in and may send you further information to consider. Taking part in a research study is always voluntary and confidential. You can withdraw from a study at any time, without having to explain why, and with no impact on your usual care and treatment at CPFT.

We will invite you to an in-person assessment  with a psychiatrist either in Cambridge, or in Peterborough. This visit will last up to two hours and will include a discussion of your current symptoms and previous treatment history and possibly some physical health tests.  

The psychiatrist will then be able to make recommendations for changes to prescribing or treatment plans. A letter detailing the outcome and recommendations will be sent to you and your GP after the appointment.  

The clinic generally provides one-off assessments with advice to your GP and does not provide ongoing care.   

Current research projects

Mental Health Mission Mood Disorder Cohort Study  

This study aims to work over a long period with many different people with major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder, to deeply understand the clinical features and variations of these conditions and support long-term follow-up. Participants in this study will be invited for future research, based on their clinical experiences and symptoms to explore targeted therapies. Most patients attending the Mood Disorders Research Clinic will be invited to participate, and our clinic staff will explain more and help you join.  

Urgent NHS mental health care

The First Response Service provides 24 hour access, seven days a week, 365 days a year, to mental health care, advice and support.

For help in a mental health crisis out of hours, call 111 and press option 2.

Please contact your GP for local service details if you live outside Cambridgeshire or Peterborough.

Useful mental health resources

The following links are provided to help staff using the service, and also staff and members of the public who would like to learn more about free mental health resources available in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough and the UK. Please contact us with any feedback or queries you might like to run past our service.

Pictured is a staff member with a headset answering a telephone call

As a patient, relative or carer using our services, sometimes you may need to turn to someone for help, advice, and support. 

Patient Advice and Liaison service  Contact the Trust