Back to Talking therapies and counselling. Talking therapies, or psychological therapies, are effective and confidential treatments delivered by fully trained and accredited NHS practitioners. They can help if you're struggling with things like feelings of depression, excessive worry, social anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder PTSD. Help is available in person, by video, over the phone or as an online course. There are also simple steps you can take to look after your mental health.
The Every Mind Matters website offers expert advice to help improve your wellbeing, as well as practical tips on sleep, coping with money worries and self-care. Find out where to get urgent help for mental health. You do not need to have a diagnosed mental health problem to refer yourself to an NHS talking therapies service. Getting support as soon as you start having difficulties can help to reduce their impact.
Talking therapies can also help if you have mental health problems resulting from other conditions, such as diabetes, cancer, long-term pain or irritable bowel syndrome IBS. If you've already been diagnosed with a mental health condition you can still refer yourself to an NHS talking therapies service, or a GP can refer you. There are a range of evidence-based talking therapies. Which therapy you are offered depends on which one has been shown to be most helpful for your symptoms.
See more about types of talking therapy. While you wait for your assessment or therapy to start, you can access expert advice and practical tips on the Every Mind Matters website.
You can refer yourself directly to an NHS talking therapies service online. If your first language is not English, talking therapies can be delivered in your chosen language through multi-lingual therapists or confidential translators. Some services offer treatment for young people aged from 16 and 17, but you need to check this with individual services.
