How To Get Therapy UK: Types Of Therapy For Mental Health
The popularity of mental health therapy has risen in recent years. More and more people are now seeking this type of support for their mental and emotional well-being. If you live in the UK, you may be wondering how to find a therapist. Here, we’ll cover what therapy is, ways to connect with a provider in the UK, and a brief overview of a few common therapy approaches.
What are talking therapies, or talking therapy sessions?
Talk therapy is a form of mental health treatment and emotional support that can involve talking with a trained therapist. They’ll guide their client through an exploration of their emotions and challenges in an effort to address symptoms, build resilience, and understand themselves better. Therapists must be trained and accredited by a professional body in order to practice mental health therapy.
Who can benefit from talking therapy with a therapist?
While talking therapy is one of the most common treatments for many types of mental illness, you don't need to be showing signs of a mental health condition to benefit from seeing a therapist. This type of provider can also support people who are facing big decisions, navigating life transitions, struggling with stress, or experiencing relationship challenges. In general, the job of a therapist is to make you feel heard and help you feel supported through life's challenges.
Common types of therapy
Some people have specific needs or goals for therapy and know what modality they're interested in. Other people may meet with a therapist for guidance on this topic. Before you attend your first session, it could be helpful to get familiar with a few common types of therapy so you can know what to expect or ask your provider about. Here are a few modalities that are widely practiced today.
Cognitive behavioral therapy for improved mental health
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most popular forms of therapy today, since an extensive body of research suggests that it can be an effective approach for reducing symptoms of anxiety, depression, substance misuse, eating disorders, low self-esteem, insomnia, and other challenges. The basis of CBT involves teaching clients how to recognize and then shift distorted thought patterns that may be causing or contributing to distress.
Dialectical behavior talking therapies for better emotional regulation
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is another popular form of talk therapy. It can be used to address symptoms of borderline personality disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), bulimia nervosa, and other conditions. It focuses on helping clients build three main skill sets—emotional regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and distress tolerance—through techniques like mindfulness, waiting a few seconds before responding to difficult situations, and self-soothing.
Family-based types of therapy and counselling for conflict resolution
Family-based therapies are intended to help repair or build strong relationships between family members. Sessions will typically involve you and your loved one(s) meeting with a qualified therapist. Your therapist can encourage and guide open and honest communication during sessions to help you address conflict, build skills, and strengthen relationships as a family.
How to get therapy UK: free resources
Individuals who are citizens of or lawfully settled in the UK can receive free therapy sessions through the National Health Service (NHS). To get connected with a therapist, you can either do a self-referral or ask your general practitioner (GP) for a referral. How long it takes to be put in contact with a provider can depend on many factors, including your location, but the NHS aims to have 75% of people connected to a therapist for their first appointment within six weeks of referral and 95% within 18 weeks of referral.
Other ways to find mental health support from a therapist in the UK
In addition, some employers offer free counselling and mental health care for their employees, and many universities do the same for students. There are also various charities and community interest companies based in the UK that offer certain types of low-cost or free talking therapies.
Alternatively, an individual could choose to seek therapy from a non-NHS provider. To pay for these services, a person must typically have insurance, pay out of pocket, or take advantage of sliding-scale fees, if applicable.
Exploring online therapy
Another option for those seeking mental health care in the UK is to go through an international online therapy platform like BetterHelp. With this type of service, many people can be matched with a professional therapist in as little as 48 hours after filling out a simple questionnaire about their needs, preferences, and the challenges they may be facing. You can then meet with your provider remotely from home or anywhere you have an internet connection.
How to get therapy: UK online therapy platforms
If you’re ready to get started with BetterHelp, you can fill out a simple online questionnaire to initiate the matching process. BetterHelp collaborates with thousands of professional therapists in the UK and allows clients to change providers at no extra cost, making it simple to find a counsellor who fits their needs. Subscriptions start at £65, billed every four weeks, offering a cost-effective way to access therapy.
What the research says about online therapy and counselling
Online therapy has become increasingly popular in recent years, and many studies have examined its potential effectiveness in improving the mental health of participants. In general, research suggests that online therapy can be as effective as in-person therapy in many cases.
Takeaway
There are many ways a therapist can offer support, and there are many different types of therapy available for addressing challenges like anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, relationship conflict, and many other concerns. People who lawfully reside in the UK can receive free therapy through the NHS. Alternatives to this service include mental health charities, care through an employer, university, or mental health charity, paying out of pocket or with insurance for non-NHS care, or signing up for an international online therapy platform like BetterHelp.
Frequently asked questions
Is therapy worth it in the UK?
Attending therapy can be worth it for many individuals facing various life challenges. According to the American Psychiatric Association, around three-quarters of people who attend therapy “show some benefit from it.”
Is therapy free in the UK?
Therapy is free for people who live in the UK and qualify for care from the National Health Service (NHS). You can refer yourself or get a referral to a therapist from your general practitioner (GP).
What is therapy called in the UK?
In the UK, therapy may be referred to with a number of different terms. Some examples include talk therapy, talking therapies, counselling, psychotherapy, mental health therapy, and psychological therapies. Therapy might also be referred to by the name of the specific modality, like cognitive behavioral therapy or psychodynamic therapy.
How much does a therapy session cost in the UK?
In the UK, you can access talking therapies through the NHS for free. Individual therapy, on the other hand, can cost around £40 to £100 per session.
How long is the waiting list for therapy in the UK?
The waiting times for NHS talking therapies are often less than four weeks. However, some people may wait up to 16 weeks before accessing therapy. If you need urgent help, contact emergency services.
Why is therapy so expensive in the UK?
Individual therapy can be expensive in the UK due to the high demand for mental health services. In addition, a professional’s specialization and education, as well as their location, can impact pricing.
How do I know if I need therapy in the UK?
Anyone can benefit from therapy, and it can be a valuable form of self-care. If you’re experiencing mental health concerns that impact your daily life, it can be beneficial to seek the right support with one-to-one counseling. Trying to manage mental health difficulties on your own can feel overwhelming, but many professionals offer therapy through the NHS or their own independent practices.
How hard is it to get therapy in the UK?
Therapy is free through the NHS. There are also many independent therapists in the UK who can help clients address the root causes of their mental health challenges. Online therapy is another available option that tends to be quite popular with young people.
What is the most popular therapy in the UK?
Cognitive behavioral therapy tends to be the most widely used modality. Other types of therapy, such as interpersonal therapy and psychodynamic therapy, can also be used.
Is therapy covered by insurance in the UK?
Therapy is covered by the NHS in the UK. You can also explore local services and see if any universities offer free counselling or guided self-help options. If your first point of contact is your doctor, you might ask them for a GP referral to a therapist. They may be able to provide information about whether the services you’re seeking will be covered. Alternatively, your employer’s HR department may be able to provide resources as well.
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