If you prefer, talk to your GP and they can refer you.
Psychological therapies services are also known as Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) services.
What are psychological therapies?
Psychological therapies, sometimes called talking therapies, can help with common mental problems like stress, anxiety and depression.
Which therapy you're offered depends on which one has been shown to be most helpful for your symptoms.
Here are a few examples:
CBT– this aims to improve your mental wellbeing by helping you understand how your thoughts can lead to unhelpful emotions and behaviours (see more about CBT)
guided self help – a therapist supports you as you work through a self-help course in your own time, either using a workbook or an online course
counselling for depression – a type of counselling developed specially for people with depression
Psychological therapies are offered in different ways, including:
using a self-help workbook with the support of a therapist
You don't need to have a diagnosed mental health problem to refer yourself to an NHS psychological therapies service.
You may be:
having panic attacks
struggling with flashbacks and nightmares
feeling low and hopeless
Perhaps you're finding it hard to cope with work, life or relationships.
Other things that psychological therapies can help with include:
constant worrying
obsessive thoughts or behaviours
fear of social situations
constant worry about your health
phobias
If you have already been diagnosed with a mental health problem, you can still refer yourself to a psychological therapies service (or your GP can refer you).
Who can have psychological therapies on the NHS?
You need to be registered with a GP to get psychological therapies on the NHS, but you don't need a referral from your GP.
You can refer yourself directly to a psychological therapies service.
Contact your local psychological therapies service.
Someone from the service will get in touch, usually within a few weeks.
They'll ask for more details about the problems you're having. This is known as an assessment.
If the service thinks they can help you, they'll recommend a therapy for you. This is based on your symptoms and how severe they are.
Waiting times for the first session vary. The service will tell you what to expect.
Important If you need urgent help, call Samaritans free on 116 123 or email [email protected].
Or if you have contact details for a mental health crisis team, you can contact them.
Does my GP have to know?
A psychological therapies service won't contact your GP without your permission, unless they believe you're at risk of harming yourself or other people.
Other places that offer free help
Some employers provide free counselling for their employees. Ask your HR department.
Most colleges and universities offer free counselling to students who need it.
Some charities offer cheap or free talking therapies or group support.