Accessing Therapy via the NHS

The NHS provides options for complimentary therapy sessions, often referred to as talking therapy or psychological wellbeing services.

In England, self-referral is a possibility for these services, giving you the option to bypass a GP referral. However, across the rest of the UK, initiating this process requires you to first consult your GP.

The availability of these services varies depending on your location. Typically, the journey begins with an initial assessment conducted by a qualified counsellor. This step is crucial for tailoring the therapy to your individual needs.

Self-Referral Process for NHS Talking Therapies

To begin the self-referral process for NHS talking therapies, visit the NHS online talking therapies service finder. This tool will assist you in locating and contacting your local service.

For successful referral, you'll need to provide details such as the GP surgery you're registered with. Remember, you must be over the age of 18 to use this service. Additionally, you'll be asked to share some personal information and a method of contact.

Within a few weeks of your application, a representative from the service will reach out to conduct an assessment. This step is essential to determine the most appropriate therapy for you.

Historically, this form of therapy access was known as IAPT (Improving Access to Psychological Therapies). Some services might still refer to it by this name.

For Those Under 18

Younger individuals under 18 can access free NHS therapy through CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services), a dedicated mental health service for youth. To learn more about how CAMHS operates and how to access it, please visit our dedicated page on understanding CAMHS.

During The Assessment

• The person who contacts you from the service will ask for more details on what you're experiencing.
• If they're calling on the phone, it might be a withheld number. They should explain who they are, and make sure you have time to chat privately.
• They might ask you to say how you've been feeling recently, and how it's affecting your life. This might include answering some questions on a questionnaire. They might also ask you about your medical history, and your family's medical history.
• Be open and honest, and use words that feel natural to you. If you find it hard to explain, let them know.
• At the end of the assessment, if they think their service can help you, they'll put you on a waiting list to see a therapist.
• Waiting times can vary, but they should let you know how long you can expect to wait.
• They should also explain how to contact them afterwards. And they might give you a local crisis number you could call in an emergency.

You should be able to choose whether you see a therapist in-person or online. And if you have extra needs it's a good idea to mention it in your assessment. Like if you'd prefer to see a therapist of a particular gender, or who understands your cultural background.

Choice on the NHS is limited, but they should accommodate you if they can.

Getting Your GP To Refer You

• Make an appointment to talk about your mental health. You'll need to be registered with a GP surgery.
• In the appointment you can ask your doctor to refer you for therapy. They should then put you in touch with a service.
• Someone should be in touch in a few weeks

This is a good first step if you can't self-refer where you live. Or if you want a doctor's opinion about what treatments might help you.

We understand that speaking with your GP can be daunting - and most appointments only last 10 minutes. We have advice on how to talk to your doctor about mental health.

Free Therapy

The NHS is the largest provider of free therapy in the UK - but there are others. Your local library, GP surgery and community centre are all good places to find out about affordable services in your community.

Here are some more.

Your local Mind

Mind have more than 100 local Mind centres across England and Wales which run free mental health services. Sometimes they help deliver NHS services too.

Use the local Mind finder tool to find your nearest Mind centre, then go to their website to see what they offer.

Other charities

Some other charities may also offer free or low-cost counselling services.