Accessing NHS Mental Health Services

HealthEnglandLast reviewed: 1 April 20256 min

NHS mental health services range from self-referral talking therapies for anxiety and depression through to intensive community support and inpatient care. Knowing which service is right for your situation — and how to access it — can make a critical difference.

Important

This is general guidance only and does not constitute medical or legal advice. NHS rules and charges change regularly — always verify current information on NHS.UK or with your GP practice before acting.

Key points

  • NHS Talking Therapies (formerly IAPT) can be self-referred and offers CBT and other therapies for anxiety and depression — no GP referral needed.
  • Community Mental Health Teams (CMHTs) provide support for more complex needs and are usually accessed via GP referral.
  • If you are in crisis, contact your local NHS crisis team, call NHS 111 (option 2 for mental health), or go to A&E.
  • CAMHS provides specialist mental health services for children and young people up to age 18 (or 25 in some areas for those already in the system).
  • The Mental Health Act 1983 sets out the circumstances in which someone can be detained in hospital ("sectioned") against their will.

NHS Talking Therapies (IAPT)

NHS Talking Therapies (formerly known as Improving Access to Psychological Therapies — IAPT) provides evidence-based psychological therapies for adults aged 18 and over in England who are experiencing:

  • Anxiety disorders (including generalised anxiety, panic disorder, social anxiety, OCD, PTSD)
  • Depression
  • Some related conditions such as health anxiety and phobias

You can self-refer — you do not need a GP referral. Find your local service at nhs.uk/mental-health/talking-therapies-medicine-treatments/talking-therapies-and-counselling/nhs-talking-therapies and refer yourself online. Waiting times vary by area. Therapies offered include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), counselling, and guided self-help.

Community Mental Health Teams

For more complex mental health needs, your GP can refer you to a Community Mental Health Team (CMHT). CMHTs are multi-disciplinary teams including psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, and social workers who provide:

  • Assessment and diagnosis
  • Medication management
  • Psychological therapies not available through Talking Therapies
  • Care coordination and care planning
  • Support with daily living and accessing other services

Access is typically via GP referral, though some areas have single points of access. There are often significant waiting times. If you are waiting for CMHT support and your mental health deteriorates, contact your GP, call NHS 111 option 2, or go to A&E.

Mental Health Crisis Services

If you or someone you know is in a mental health crisis — experiencing suicidal thoughts, a severe mental health episode, or at risk of harm — the following services are available 24/7:

  • NHS 111 option 2: A 24/7 mental health crisis line available in most areas of England, staffed by trained mental health professionals who can provide advice and arrange crisis care.
  • Crisis Resolution and Home Treatment Teams (CRHTTs): These teams provide intensive short-term support in the community as an alternative to hospital admission, and can arrange emergency assessments.
  • A&E: If there is immediate risk to life, go to or call 999.
  • Samaritans: 116 123 (free, 24/7, not just for people who are suicidal).

From November 2023 NHS England required all areas to have a 24/7 urgent mental health response available within four hours of referral.

CAMHS — Mental Health Support for Young People

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) provide specialist mental health assessment and treatment for children and young people up to age 18 (in some cases to age 25 for those already receiving care). CAMHS covers conditions including:

  • Anxiety, depression, and self-harm
  • Eating disorders (also served by specialist eating disorder services)
  • ADHD and autism assessments (in some areas)
  • Psychosis and bipolar disorder

Referrals are typically made by GPs, schools, or other professionals. Waiting times for CAMHS are a significant national concern — many areas have waits of over a year for routine appointments. If a young person is in crisis, contact the local CAMHS crisis team, call NHS 111 option 2, or go to A&E.

Frequently asked questions

Can I self-refer to NHS mental health services without seeing my GP?
Yes — NHS Talking Therapies (IAPT) accepts self-referrals directly from adults for anxiety and depression. For most other NHS mental health services (e.g., CMHTs, specialist services), a GP referral is the usual route, though some areas have crisis lines and walk-in services accessible without a referral.
What does being "sectioned" mean?
Being "sectioned" means being detained in hospital under the Mental Health Act 1983 without your consent, because you are considered a risk to yourself or others. The most common sections are Section 2 (assessment, up to 28 days) and Section 3 (treatment, up to 6 months). You have the right to appeal to a Mental Health Tribunal and to have an Independent Mental Health Advocate (IMHA).
What are my rights if I am an NHS mental health inpatient?
You have the same rights as any NHS patient under the NHS Constitution, plus additional rights under the Mental Health Act if you are detained. These include the right to an IMHA, the right to appeal your detention, and the right to a care plan. If you are admitted voluntarily ("informal patient"), you can generally leave when you choose, though staff may initiate a formal assessment if they have concerns.
My GP has referred me for CAMHS but we are waiting months — what can we do in the meantime?
While waiting for CAMHS, consider: school counsellor or pastoral support, Young Minds (youngminds.org.uk) helpline and online resources, Kooth (kooth.com) for online counselling for under-18s (free in many areas), and local third-sector youth mental health charities. If the young person's condition deteriorates significantly, contact your GP for an urgent review and, if in crisis, call NHS 111 option 2.

What to do next

  1. 1
    Self-refer to NHS Talking Therapies

    Find and self-refer to your local IAPT service.

  2. 2
    Mental health crisis support (NHS 111)

    Urgent mental health support available 24/7.

  3. 3
    Samaritans helpline

    Free, confidential support — call 116 123 any time.

  4. 4
    NHS complaints procedure

    How to raise concerns about your mental health care.

Official bodies and resources

National Health Service

Government

The publicly funded healthcare system in the United Kingdom, providing free healthcare for all UK residents.

Visit website111

Care Quality Commission

Regulator

The independent regulator of health and adult social care in England, inspecting and rating care services.

Visit website03000 616161

Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman

Ombudsman

Investigates complaints about NHS England and UK government departments, agencies, and public bodies.

Visit website0345 015 4033

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Disclaimer

This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. You should seek qualified legal help if your situation requires it.