Mental health affects every part of our lives, and getting help early can make a real difference. Across the UK, free and confidential NHS mental health services are available to support you, whether you’re coping with anxiety, depression, trauma, or emotional distress.

This guide explains what NHS Talking Therapies, for anxiety and depression (formerly IAPT) offer, how to access them, and where to turn if you’re in crisis. It also includes information on support for young people, students, and families, as well as practical ways to improve wellbeing at home.

What Are NHS Talking Therapies?

NHS Talking Therapies, for anxiety and depression are psychological treatments delivered by trained NHS practitioners. They’re designed to help you manage mental health difficulties such as:

  • Depression or low mood.
  • Anxiety and panic attacks.
  • Social anxiety.
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
  • Stress and worry.
  • Obsessive thoughts or behaviours (OCD).
  • Phobias.
  • Mental health issues linked to long-term physical conditions like IBS, diabetes, or chronic pain.

You don’t need a formal diagnosis to get help, you can refer yourself for support before your symptoms become severe.

How to Access Support

You can access NHS Talking Therapies in England in two main ways:

  • Self-referral: Anyone registered with a GP in England can self-refer online through the NHS Talking Therapies website.
  • GP referral: Your GP can refer you if you’d like professional help choosing the right service.

Support may be provided through:

  • In-person sessions.
  • Phone or video appointments.
  • Digitally enabled therapies – structured online treatments supported by trained professionals.
  • Guided self-help materials and workbooks.

Language support is available, including interpreters and British Sign Language (BSL).

Note: Referral processes differ in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, see your local NHS board or health service for details.

Types of Therapy Available

Services offer a range of evidence-based treatments, including:

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – Changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviours.
  • Guided Self-Help – Therapist-supported workbooks or online materials.
  • Counselling for Depression – Talking therapy designed for people experiencing mild to moderate depression.
  • Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) – Exploring how your relationships affect your mental health.
  • Dynamic Interpersonal Therapy (DIT) – Understanding emotional patterns from past experiences.
  • Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) – Combining mindfulness techniques with CBT to prevent relapse in depression.
  • Couple Therapy for Depression (CTfD or BCT) – For couples where depression is affecting the relationship.

Therapy may be offered one-to-one, in groups, online, or through blended formats, depending on your needs and preferences.

Employment Support

Many NHS Talking Therapies services also provide employment support alongside treatment. Employment advisers can help you:

  • Stay in work while managing mental health challenges.
  • Return to work after time off.
  • Build confidence or explore training and career options.

This support is voluntary and confidential, and does not affect your therapy or benefit entitlements.

Who Can Access NHS Talking Therapies?

Anyone registered with a GP in England can access NHS Talking Therapies. You can refer yourself directly online or ask your GP to refer you.

Scotland: Support is available through the NHS 24 Mental Health Hub (call 111) and local NHS boards.

Wales: Access mental health support via your GP or the 111 (Option 2) service.

Northern Ireland: Services are available through Health and Social Care Trusts and community providers.

Support for Children and Young People

Some Talking Therapies services accept 16–17-year-olds. Children and young people who are not eligible for adult Talking Therapies can access their local Children and Young People’s Mental Health Service (CYPMHS) or CAMHS.

Other options include:

  • Childline: 0800 1111 – free, confidential support for under 19s.
  • YoungMinds Textline: Text YM to 85258 for 24/7 help.

Confidentiality and Privacy

Everything you share during therapy is treated as confidential. Your information may be shared with your GP to help coordinate your care, but this is done confidentially and you can ask for this not to happen if you prefer.

Information is only shared without your consent if there is a serious risk of harm to you or someone else.

What Happens After Referral

  • You’ll usually be contacted for an initial assessment.
  • The assessment helps decide which therapy or approach is right for you.
  • Waiting times vary, you can ask how long local waiting times are when you have your initial referral.

While you wait, you can use free NHS tools such as:

In a Mental Health Crisis

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger:

  • Call 999 or go to your nearest A&E.

If it’s urgent but not life-threatening:

  • Call 111 (England) and choose the mental health option to reach trained staff.

Other helplines include:

Local and Community Support

Local councils, charities, and NHS partners offer additional help through:

  • Mental Health Hubs – walk-in support, group sessions, and signposting.
  • Community pharmacies – advice on medication and wellbeing.
  • Charities such as Mind, Rethink Mental Illness, and Together UK – counselling, peer support, and advocacy.

Extra Help for Students and Workers

  • Universities and colleges provide free counselling and wellbeing services.
  • Employers may offer confidential support via Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs).
  • Charities like Anxiety UK and Mind offer affordable online or phone counselling.

Don’t Forget

If you’re managing mental health or a low income, keeping up with everyday costs like heating and energy can be especially difficult. Government-funded programmes like ECO4 and the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) can help eligible households by:

  • Improving home insulation and heating.
  • Reducing energy bills.
  • Creating warmer, healthier living spaces.

Check your eligibility here, it’s free, quick, and could make a real difference to your comfort, wellbeing, and household finances.