Finding NHS support

A calm, step-by-step map of where NHS mental health and therapy support usually sits in England, from urgent help to services you can reach through a GP.

General information only, not medical advice. Services and referral routes vary by area, and this page cannot say how long anything will take. If you are unsure where to start, speak to your GP or contact NHS 111. In an emergency, call 999.

This page describes England. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland organise services differently: see NHS inform (Scotland), NHS 111 Wales and nidirect mental health services (Northern Ireland).

  1. In crisis now

    • Life at risk: call 999 or go to A&E — for example after serious self-injury or an overdose, or if you cannot keep yourself or someone else safe.
    • Urgent but not an emergency: call NHS 111 and choose the mental health option, or use 111 online. You may be able to speak to a trained mental health professional.
    • To talk: Samaritans, free, day or night, on 116 123. To text: Shout on 85258.

    Source: NHS — where to get urgent help for mental health

  2. Not urgent: a first step is your GP

    A general practitioner can talk through how you are, assess and in some cases diagnose, discuss treatment including medication, and refer you on to local services.

    What to bring or say
    • What has been happening, for how long, and how it affects sleep, work, study, relationships or daily activities.
    • Anything that makes it better or worse, any medicines you take, and anything you have already tried.
    • What you would like help with — for example talking therapy, a review of medication, or an assessment. Writing a few notes beforehand can help; you can ask for a longer appointment or bring someone with you.

    Sources: NHS — how to access mental health services · NHS — GP services

  3. Two ways in

    Refer yourself

    NHS Talking Therapies for anxiety and depression. You can refer yourself without seeing a GP for difficulties such as low mood, worry, depression (including after having a baby), anxiety, panic, phobias and obsessive-compulsive difficulties. You need to be registered with a GP and aged 18 or over (16 or over in some areas).

    Find your local NHS Talking Therapies service

    Some other services, such as drug and alcohol support and some children and young people’s services, also accept self-referral.

    Sources: NHS Talking Therapies · How to access mental health services

    Through a GP referral

    • Community mental health teams, psychiatry and psychology services for adults whose needs go beyond Talking Therapies.
    • Adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism assessment. A GP can refer you to a local assessment team. Right to choose: when a GP refers you in England for a first, non-urgent appointment, you usually have a legal right to choose which NHS-funded provider you go to, including some independent providers that hold an NHS contract. Ask your GP about this at the point of referral.
    • Children and young people’s mental health services (sometimes called child and adolescent mental health services). A GP, teacher, school nurse or social worker can help you contact them, many schools and colleges have mental health support teams, and some areas accept self-referral.
    • Speech and language therapy and occupational therapy. Ask a GP, health visitor or school; some local services accept self-referral, and occupational therapy may also be reached through your local council.
    • Physiotherapy: in many areas you can refer yourself to NHS community physiotherapy for back, muscle and joint problems without seeing a GP; otherwise your GP surgery can refer you.
    • Eating disorders: see a GP as soon as you can; they may refer you to a specialist eating disorder team, which often includes Dietitians alongside psychological therapy. For other nutrition needs, a GP or hospital team can refer you to an NHS Dietitian.
    • Perinatal (pregnancy and the year after birth): support may come from your GP, Talking Therapies or a specialist community perinatal mental health team.
    • Older adults and memory: a GP can refer you to a specialist, who may work in a memory clinic.

    Sources: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder diagnosis · How to get an autism assessment · Your choices in the NHS · NHS England — choice in mental health care · Children and young people’s mental health services · Occupational therapy · Physiotherapy · Eating disorders · Postnatal depression and perinatal care · Dementia diagnosis

  4. While you wait, or alongside

    • Hub of Hope maps free local NHS, charity and community support by postcode.
    • Mind and other charities offer information and local services; see our useful links.
    • If you are thinking about private or independent support, Find a therapist lists registered practitioners across every profession. There is no expectation either way — it is simply one more option.
    • If things get worse while you wait, go back to step 1 or contact your GP.

Links checked against nhs.uk and NHS England on 9 October 2026. Find NHS mental health services.

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