This page brings together trusted UK support links for people affected by mental health difficulties, emotional distress, anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, low mood, serious mental illness, or anyone looking for counselling and talking therapy options.
Some support is national, while NHS services, counselling routes and local mental health support can vary depending on where you live, your age, symptoms, urgency and personal circumstances. Always check directly with the organisation, NHS, GP, local mental health service or therapist directory to confirm what support is available.
Important safety note
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999 or go to A&E.
If you need urgent mental health help and it is not a 999 emergency, contact NHS 111.
If you are worried about self-harm, suicidal thoughts, psychosis, severe distress, medication concerns, sudden changes in mental health, or feeling unable to keep yourself safe, please seek professional support as soon as possible.
Where to start
If you are unsure where to begin, a good starting point is NHS Mental Health Services, NHS Talking Therapies, your GP, Mind, Rethink Mental Illness or the Mental Health Foundation. These can help you understand your options and find the right next step.
The Recovery Space provides education, self-help tools and neutral signposting only. We do not provide medical advice, mental health assessment, diagnosis, treatment, counselling, crisis support, safeguarding support or one-to-one support.
These links are useful starting points if you are unsure what support you need or where to begin for mental health and counselling.
Start here...
What they help with: Free NHS talking therapies for anxiety and depression, including psychological therapies such as CBT, counselling, guided self-help and other evidence-based support depending on local service availability.
Who it may help: Adults in England who are registered with a GP and are experiencing anxiety, depression, low mood, worry, stress, panic, trauma-related symptoms or similar common mental health difficulties.
Location / Coverage: England. Usually for people aged 18 or over, though some areas may accept people aged 16 or over. Local access and therapy options vary.
Contact details: Use the NHS page to find local NHS Talking Therapies services and self-refer where available. A GP can also help with referrals if needed.
Best starting point advice: A strong starting point for people in England looking for free NHS therapy for anxiety, depression or related difficulties.
NHS Talking Therapies - England
What they help with: Official NHS guidance on accessing mental health services, including how mental health referrals can work through a GP, psychological therapy services, specialist mental health services and urgent help routes.
Who it may help: People unsure what type of mental health support they need, people whose needs may be more complex than talking therapies alone, or anyone who wants to speak with a GP about mental health.
Location / Coverage: UK NHS information and local NHS routes. Services can vary by nation, local area, age, urgency and personal circumstances.
Contact details: Use the NHS mental health services pages for official guidance, or contact a GP for support with referrals and next steps.
Best starting point advice: Useful when someone is unsure whether they need talking therapy, GP support, a referral, specialist mental health support or urgent help.
NHS / GP Route
What they help with: Clear guidance on how to find therapy or counselling, including NHS routes, charities, local Mind services, workplace support, private therapy and questions to consider when choosing a therapist.
Who it may help: People exploring therapy options, people unsure where to look, and anyone wanting practical guidance before choosing NHS, charity, workplace or private therapy routes.
Location / Coverage: England and Wales information. Local Mind therapy services vary by area.
Contact details: Use Mind's guidance page to understand therapy options and how to look for support that feels right and appropriate.
Best starting point advice: Useful when someone wants to understand different therapy routes before deciding where to start.
Mind - Finding a Therapist
Safety Note
The Recovery Space provides education, self-help tools and signposting only. We do not provide counselling, therapy, medical advice, mental health assessment, diagnosis, treatment, crisis support, safeguarding support or one-to-one support.
Counselling and therapy options can vary by location, age, symptoms, urgency, waiting times and eligibility. NHS Talking Therapies in England are usually for adults, though some areas may accept younger people. Please check directly with the NHS, your GP, local services or the organisation listed for the most up-to-date access information.
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, contact emergency services or go to A&E. If you need urgent mental health help and it is not an emergency, contact NHS urgent mental health support or speak to a GP as soon as possible.
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