How do you get psychological support in the UK? NHS Talking Therapies, a child psychiatrist and choosing a private therapist

Who does this apply to?

• This is general information, not medical advice, and does not assess anyone's situation. If it is an emergency call 999 or see the NHS urgent mental health page; this post is not for urgent help.

Adults: NHS Talking Therapies

• NHS says that for anxiety and depression and many related problems you can refer yourself without a GP. You must be registered with a GP and aged 18 or over (16 in some areas).
• For eating disorders, bipolar disorder, personality disorder, psychosis, or alcohol and drug problems, you usually need a GP referral.
• The NHS page says therapy may be free through an employer, university or local charity, or you can pay privately.
• Therapy in your own language or an interpreter is not covered on the NHS page. When you refer yourself or speak to your GP, say what your language need is and ask what is possible.

Children and young people

• NHS has a separate page for support for under-18s. In the group, the advice was also given: "for a child psychiatrist, talk to your GP first, they will refer".
• In general referral varies by local service: in some areas a GP, school nurse or teacher can refer; in others a parent, or young people over a certain age, can refer themselves. The specialist service (CAMHS) is for more significant needs, and in most places simpler support is tried first. Search your area's NHS page for "CAMHS referral".

Choosing a private therapist

• The NHS page says that if you go private, check the therapist is registered with a professional body accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.
• Ask about their training, the body they are registered with and their accreditation status. "In the accreditation process" does not mean accreditation is complete.
• Some offer a free first conversation; decide after that, and do not rush.
• We do not assess individual therapist or service adverts shared in groups; this post does not recommend anyone.

Points to watch

• If you are not registered with a GP, register first; NHS Talking Therapies needs it.
• Official pages and services vary by area. This post is a general summary.

What can you do?

• Read NHS Talking Therapies.
• For children see NHS: children and young people's mental health.