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Healthcare

Anxious or low in England? You can refer yourself for free NHS talking therapy

In England, you can refer yourself to NHS Talking Therapies for common problems such as anxiety, depression, panic, phobias, OCD and PTSD, without first speaking to a GP. Mental health services are free on the NHS. You usually need to be registered with a GP and aged 18 or over (16 in some areas). If you need help urgently, NHS 111 has a mental health option, and in an emergency you should call 999 or go to A&E. The government has also announced new community mental health centres and mental health emergency departments, which will open in phases from autumn 2026.

Reviewed 09/11/2026 · Applies to: England only

Who this helps

Adults in England, including newcomers, who are dealing with stress, anxiety, low mood or other common mental health problems and do not know where to start.

What to do

  1. For anxiety, low mood, depression (including postnatal depression), panic, phobias, OCD, PTSD or coping with a long-term condition, you can refer yourself to NHS Talking Therapies without seeing a GP first.
  2. Find your local NHS Talking Therapies service using the NHS service finder. You will need to enter the name of your GP surgery.
  3. Check the conditions: you usually need to be registered with a GP and aged 18 or over (16 or over in some areas).
  4. For problems such as eating disorders, bipolar disorder, psychosis, personality disorders, or drug or alcohol problems, speak to your GP, who can refer you to the right service.
  5. If you need help urgently, go to NHS 111 online or call 111 and choose the mental health option.
  6. If someone's life is at risk or you cannot keep yourself or someone else safe, call 999 or go to A&E. You can also call Samaritans free on 116 123, at any time.

Before you act

  • This applies to England. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own NHS mental health services.
  • New community mental health centres and mental health emergency departments are being rolled out from autumn 2026, with more from March 2027. Final locations are not yet confirmed, so check what is available locally.
  • This is general information, not medical advice. Always seek urgent help in a crisis.

Take the next step

Continue to the provider’s website to check the latest details and use the service.

NHS Talking Therapies: how to refer yourself ↗

Destination: www.nhs.uk

Sources

MyAgumba explains the sources above. Eligibility and availability depend on your circumstances and the provider’s current rules.