Clinical Psychologists are trained professionals who support people with their emotional well-being and mental health. We use evidence-based psychological approaches to help you understand and manage thoughts, feelings, behaviours, and coping strategies — particularly during times of stress, change, or uncertainty. Our role is not about diagnosing mental illness but about working alongside you to understand the emotional impact of your physical health journey and to support your psychological well-being.

Living with advanced heart or lung conditions and going through the transplant journey can be overwhelming. It's completely normal to experience a range of psychological and emotional responses. Pre-transplant, you might notice anxiety about your health or the transplant process, uncertainty or fear about the future, sadness, frustration, or low mood, difficulty coping with changes in physical health or daily life, worries about being on the transplant list, and feelings of isolation or withdrawal. Post-transplant, you might notice emotional adjustment to life after transplant, anxiety about rejection, infections, or recovery, low mood or feelings of guilt, identity changes or struggling with the "new normal", difficulties with relationships, confidence, or returning to everyday life, trauma reactions to the experiences you have been through, and managing side effects of medications.

These experiences are normal. Everyone’s journey is different, but many people share similar emotional challenges at different points before and after transplant. Feeling anxious, low, overwhelmed, or uncertain does not mean you’re “not coping” — it means you’re human, and these reactions are understandable. You don’t have to wait until things feel very difficult to ask for support. We are here to help at any stage in your transplant journey.

How can clinical psychology help?
  • Space to talk: A confidential space to explore your thoughts and feelings.
  • Emotional support: Helping you manage anxiety, low mood, or distress.
  • Adjustment support: Supporting your emotional adaptation to health changes.
  • Coping strategies: Techniques to manage difficulties such as sleep or managing medication and procedures.
  • Collaborative care: Working with your wider transplant team to support your care holistically.
  • Peer support: Monthly transplant/LVAD cafés in which pre and post-transplant patients meet to learn about shared experiences.
  • Assessment - readiness and support decision making.
How do I get referred?
  • Speak to any member of your transplant team who can refer you
  • Ask at your clinic appointment
  • We also accept self-referrals if you're already known to the transplant psychology service