Breaking Free - eTherapy Services available in Rochdale

at Venues and @Home

e-Therapy is an online CBT service that operates in Rochdale. The service is co-ordinated by a mental health charity, Self Help Services which is commissioned by the Rochdale Drug and Alcohol Team. The e-Therapy service is free and has no waiting list. Once a referral has been received, we can usually see a client for an assessment appointment within a maximum of 14 days.

Patients of Rochdale GPs may refer themselves to the service or be referred by a GP or mental health worker/other healthcare professional. Referrals can be submitted directly to Self Help Services and do not need to be referred via Gateway. See below for further details about the service.

What does the service involve?

  • Breaking Free is a self help online Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) programme aimed at individuals in recovery who are experiencing symptoms of ill mental health.
  • Breaking Free focuses on helping you to understand how your negative thoughts impact on your feelings, physical symptoms and behaviour.
  • Breaking Freeteaches youtechniques and strategies to help manage symptoms of Depression and Anxiety as well ashelping you to decrease drug and alcohol use.
  • The programme uses Mindfulness and relaxation techniques to help you cope with low moods and to relieve symptoms of anxiety.
  • 6-12 sessions to attend on a weekly basis at a venue in Rochdale that suits you. Alternatively, the programme can be accessed at home with a weekly support call for the service coordinator.
  • Fully supported by a team of volunteers and a service coordinator.

Where can the service be accessed?

  • Rochdale Fire Station Brentwood Community Centre

Halifax Road 115 Long St,

Rochdale Middleton

OL12 8BD M24 6DL

Service operatesMonday 12-2pm Tuesdays 10 – 1pm

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How do you access the service in Rochdale?

  • Clients can self refer to the e-Therapy service by completing the online referral form on our website
  • Referral forms can also be printed from our website and posted to Self Help Services, Lock 50 Business Centre, Oldham Road, Rochdale, OL16 5RD
  • Alternatively, you can fax completed referral forms to 0161 877 2740or email them to
  • See your GP, who would refer you.
  • Or simply phone self-help services on O161 226 3871 and refer yourself.

Exclusion criteria for step 2 services:

  • Complex and/or chronic difficulties
    This includes treatment-resistant, recurrent or atypical depression; Severe treatment resistant anxiety disorders; Complex PTSD (e.g. childhood sexual abuse, multiple trauma); Significant co-morbidity & psychological problems associated with complex personality and interpersonal dysfunction.
  • Current & moderate risk of self-harm or harm to others
    (where secondary care assessment and input may be needed)
  • Substance/Alcohol dependence or misuse, where this is likely to be a barrier to engagement and recovery
  • Psychosis, dementia, severe brain injury
  • A primary diagnosis of Autistic Spectrum Disorder (including Asperger’s Syndrome)
  • A primary diagnosis of an eating disorder
  • People who are unable to attend regularly or to work collaboratively

For further information about this service please contact:

Jim Bradley

Rochdale Breaking Free eTherapy Coordinator

07702883550