Need to know
Free NHS talking therapies are available in England for those aged 18 and over
Need to know: How to self-refer for NHS talking therapy and who is eligible
- Free NHS talking therapies are available to anyone in England struggling with anxiety and depression, with no formal mental health diagnosis required.
- People aged 18 and above, or 16-17 in certain areas, can self-refer online through the NHS website or ask their GP to make the referral. You can find out how to self-refer on the NHS website here.
- Some people may be able to self-refer without being registered with a GP, but this will depend on the area.
- Those aged 17 and under can find support through children and young people’s mental health services here.
- The mental health issues that the talking therapy is recommended for include but are not limited to those who: have obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), are very anxious about lots of different things, have a persistent low mood, worry constantly about their health, have body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), have panic attacks, have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), fear social situations, have an overwhelming fear of something (phobias), including agoraphobia, or those who have a long-term health condition, such as chronic fatigue syndrome, and are struggling with anxiety or depression as a result.
- The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has issued fresh guidance warning people to be cautious when using mental health apps and digital platforms, reports the Express.
- Professor Anthony Harnden, MHRA Chair, said: “When someone turns to a tool to help with their mental health, they need to know it is safe, effective, and built on reliable evidence.”
- The agency advises people to check whether digital mental health tools are trustworthy and safe before use, particularly those without NHS endorsement.
- For urgent emotional support, the Samaritans helpline is available 24/7 on 116 123, while Mind charity can be reached on 0300 123 3393.
- Read more: ‘I use ketamine at my London clinic to help my patients with depression and PTSD – it’s completely legal’
Lauren Haughey, Véronique Hawksworth
