Blackpool Neurodiversity
Inclusion Service

Our pilot scheme offers free therapy for common mental health issues, prioritising neurodivergent individuals. Contact us for referrals.

Remember You Can 
Call Our Confidential Helpline on
01253 472201
01253 472202

We are open 9:30am to 4pm, Monday to Friday

BNIS Mission

The Neurodiversity-Inclusion ‘Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy’ Service is a pilot scheme offering a range of FREE therapy options recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) for common mental health problems such as Trauma, Anxiety, Depression, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Specific Phobias.

We prioritise referrals for individuals with diagnosed or undiagnosed Neurodivergence, for example: ADHD, Autistic Spectrum Disorders, Aphantasia, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Developmental Coordination Disorder, Sensory Processing Disorder and adapt therapy approaches to meet individual neurodiversity-inclusion needs.

Support We Can Provide  

  • We aim to support individuals through ASD & ADHD diagnostic pathways through supported self assessment and GP liaison. (We do not offer psychiatric diagnosis)
  • Available talking therapies include: Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy (CBP), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Psychoeducation and direct assistance and referral into Welfare Benefit Support.
  • Our service is available to anyone aged 18 or over and registered with a Blackpool, Wyre and Fylde GP.


For more information telephone: 01253 472201. Alternatively, click the ‘Contact Us’ button below to request information by email.

The Team 

Our service stands out because our staff is diverse, including a trainee cognitive behavioural psychotherapist who is Neurodivergent. We believe that this shared experience can enhance empathy and provide valuable insight into navigating a complex and oversubscribed system. In the United Kingdom, there is a shortage of neurodivergent therapists, despite a high demand for their services and support.

Project Rationale 

Autistic people are at a higher risk of suicide than non-autistic people. Figures show that as many as 11-66% of autistic adults had thought about suicide during their lifetime, and up to 35% had planned or attempted suicide (Hedley, D., & Uljarevic, M. 2018). In the Northwest, there is a lack of Neurodiversity-Inclusion Projects providing Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy, with waiting lists for assessment extending up to three years.

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Our project stands out due to its unique approach, tailoring NICE Guidelines to accommodate client requirements. This may involve utilising highly visual methods and conducting thorough assessments to meet the specific needs of each client.

Future Plans
The approach has achieved positive outcomes thus far. An evidence-based model involves documenting client information with consent and adopting a collaborative approach, involving clients in shaping the future of the service.
Supporting people in the heart of our communities