Getting mental health help in London

Getting mental health help in London

In London, there are several pathways to support anyone dealing with mental health issues, ranging from mild anxiety to more severe conditions. Understanding how to access these services can be crucial for yourself or someone you care about. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Recognising the Need for Help

The first step is acknowledging that you or someone you know might need support. Mental health issues can vary widely in symptoms and severity, including but not limited to anxiety, depression, mood swings, and thoughts of self-harm or suicide.

2. GP Services

Your General Practitioner (GP) can be (but doesn’t have to) the first point of contact for accessing mental health services. They can provide initial assessments, prescribe medication, offer advice, and refer you to specialised mental health services if needed.

  • Making an Appointment: Contact your GP surgery to book an appointment. Be honest about your mental health concerns so they can understand your needs.
  • What to Expect: During your appointment, your GP will discuss your mental health with you and may suggest treatment options such as therapy, counselling, or medication.
3. NHS Mental Health Services

The NHS provides a range of mental health services, including talking therapies, counselling, and psychiatric support. These services are free. Some of them require a referral from a GP while others can be accessed via a self-referral. 

One of such options is talking therapies (IAPT). For people dealing with mild to moderate depression and anxiety, the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) programme is available. You can self-refer to this service in some areas, which offers therapies like CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy).

4. Crisis Support

If you or someone you know is in a mental health crisis, immediate help is available:

  • NHS Urgent Mental Health Line: use the NHS urgent mental health line finder tool to find the right urgent support in your area.
  • NHS 111: You can call NHS 111 and select the option for mental health crises. They can direct you to the right support.
  • A&E: In severe cases, especially if there’s a risk of harm to oneself or others, going to the Accident and Emergency department of your nearest hospital is necessary.
  • Crisis Teams: Most areas in London have Crisis Resolution and Home Treatment (CRHT) teams available 24/7. They provide urgent assessments and support for people experiencing a mental health crisis.