Looking after your mental health is just as important as looking after your physical health. Fortunately, there are several ways to access mental health support in the UK, depending on the urgency of your situation and the type of help you need.
This guide explains the five main ways to get mental health support and what each option is best suited for.
For most people, a GP is the first point of contact for mental health concerns.
GPs can assess symptoms such as anxiety, depression, stress, sleep problems, and low mood. They can also discuss treatment options, prescribe medication where appropriate, and refer you to specialist mental health services.
How to book: Contact your GP surgery online, by phone, or in person to arrange an appointment.
What they can help with: Anxiety, depression, panic attacks, stress, eating disorders, and ongoing mental health concerns.
If you are not yet registered, use the NHS Find a GP service to locate a surgery near you and register online where available.
Learn more:
In many areas of England, you can access NHS Talking Therapies without seeing a GP first.
These services provide support for common mental health conditions through counselling, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), guided self-help programmes, and group sessions.
Who it’s for: Adults experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, phobias, or related conditions.
How to access: Search for your local NHS Talking Therapies service and complete a self-referral form online.
Benefits: No GP appointment required and many services offer telephone or video appointments.
Learn more:
If you need urgent mental health help but are not in immediate danger, NHS 111 can provide advice and direct you to the most appropriate service.
Mental health professionals are available through NHS 111 in many areas and can arrange urgent assessments when necessary.
When to use it: Severe anxiety, worsening mental health symptoms, emotional distress, or concerns about your safety that are not life-threatening emergencies.
Available: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
How to access: Call 111 or use NHS 111 Online.
Learn more:
If you prefer faster access to therapy or specialist assessments, private mental health providers offer a wide range of services.
Options include online therapy, face-to-face counselling, psychiatric consultations, ADHD assessments, and specialist treatment programmes.
Benefits: Shorter waiting times, flexible appointment scheduling, and greater choice of therapists.
Common providers:
If you or someone else is at immediate risk of serious harm, seek emergency help straight away.
Call 999 immediately if:
You can also:
Availability: Emergency services and A&E departments operate 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
Learn more:
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