One in four people in the UK will experience a mental health problem in any given year. Yet accessing timely, appropriate support remains difficult, inconsistent, and — outside the NHS — expensive.
NHS Talking Therapies (Formerly IAPT)
NHS Talking Therapies offers Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and other evidence-based treatments for anxiety, depression, and related conditions. You can self-refer without seeing your GP first at nhs.uk/mental-health/talking-therapies-medicine-treatments/talking-therapies-and-counselling/nhs-talking-therapies.
Waiting times vary significantly by area. The target is to begin treatment within 18 weeks; many areas achieve this, but some have waits significantly longer.
Your GP as a Starting Point
For more complex presentations — including psychosis, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, and severe depression — your GP is the appropriate first point of contact. They can refer to Community Mental Health Teams and specialist services.
Crisis Support
Samaritans: 116 123 (free, 24/7, confidential) Shout (text-based): Text SHOUT to 85258 Crisis Resolution and Home Treatment Teams: NHS services for people in acute mental health crisis — accessed via your GP or NHS 111
Private Therapy
The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and the British Psychological Society (BPS) both maintain registers of accredited practitioners. Private therapy typically costs £50-£90 per session in major cities; online therapy platforms offer somewhat lower rates.
Workplace Support
Many employers offer Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) providing free short-term counselling (typically 6-8 sessions) as part of employment benefits. Check your employee handbook or ask HR.
