Finding Accessible Mental Healthcare Options In The UK

More UK citizens are using talking therapies as a valuable tool for improving their well-being, and individuals don’t need to be diagnosed with a mental illness to benefit from this support. While there may be challenges with rising costs for non-public insurance and specialists, there are still accessible options for those seeking free or affordable therapy. Below, you’ll find information on free and low-cost therapy options, along with alternatives available to individuals in the UK to help during difficult times.

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The importance of therapy statistics in the United Kingdom

Therapy can help people learn important life skills like emotional regulation, non-violent communication, and setting boundaries. In the UK, nearly one-third of all UK adults see a counselor, and the number is rising. 

Many people see a therapist via the National Health Service (NHS), whereas others may use insurance or pay to see a non-NHS counselor. Below are some mental health statistics for the UK from the UK Parliament website, indicating the importance of having low-cost options available: 

Is there free healthcare in the United Kingdom? 

The United Kingdom offers free healthcare to all citizens and permanent residents through the National Health Service. The NHS also offers free mental health services, including medication management, therapy, psychiatric hospitalization, and case management. 

Understanding NHS and psychological treatment offered

You must talk to your general practitioner (GP) to start receiving mental healthcare through the NHS. If you don’t have a GP, you can get one by signing up through your local NHS clinic. After meeting with your provider, they can refer you to mental health services based on your symptoms and unique needs. In some cases, you may be able to do a self-referral, such as if you are experiencing substance use challenges or want to try talk therapy. In England, you have the right to choose which therapist you go to unless you’re getting emergency care or urgent mental health support, are already receiving treatment, or are an armed forces member. 

To get started with an appointment, you can use the NHS e-referral service. Your GP can book the appointment through this website, or you can get an appointment request letter from your doctor and fill out the self-help form yourself. For self-referral, call the NHS line at 0345 60 88 88 8.  If you are referred by a doctor, you will typically be seen within 18 weeks.

More information on NHS access

When considering NHS counselling services, it’s important to think about the type of care that best suits your needs. For individuals with specific mental health concerns, such as rare mental illnesses, some therapists may have expertise in general areas while others might specialize in particular conditions. If you require specialized care, you can request a specialist or explore additional options through non-public providers.

The NHS offers both primary and secondary care. Primary care provides talk therapy and basic treatment services, with a set number of therapy hours available each year based on your needs. Secondary care is for those with more severe mental health conditions, such as individuals who may be self-harming or experiencing suicidal thoughts, and provides more frequent support. For those seeking treatment for eating disorders, inpatient psychiatric hospitals may be available, and in some cases, transportation or additional care options may be explored. The NHS aims to provide comprehensive support tailored to your needs.

For adolescents and young adults, there’s the Child and Young People’s Mental Health Services (CAMHS), an offshoot of the NHS for young people under 18. In addition, CBT is being practiced more frequently by providers today, meaning that other modalities are not offered as often, which may be difficult for those who do not find CBT to be beneficial for them. In addition, autism and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) testing through the NHS and the CAMHS may be delayed, leading many people to choose to pay for non-public testing with a qualified therapist. However, not everyone has this option financially.  

Mental health insurance options 

There is no universal government insurance option for UK residents or citizens. However, individuals can buy a non-public insurance plan to be able to visit specialists. Not all plans cover mental health, however, so be sure to ask the insurance company about the mental health coverage and any co-pays. The cost of your insurance plan may be higher if you have a history of frequent treatments for mental illness or other conditions. 

Health insurance plans may be a favorable option if you can’t find a specialist through the NHS for the symptoms you’re experiencing in time. However, insurance premiums can be costly through a non-public professional organisation. 

Other free or low-cost mental health support options as alternatives to NHS psychological therapies

If you’re looking for alternatives to the NHS, options are available. Consider the following. 

Support groups

Support groups are generally free and offer the opportunity to meet with other people living with similar challenges. You can attend these groups online or search for groups that meet in your area. 

Support groups are a standard support option for people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, substance use disorders, depression, a history of trauma, or eating disorders. However, you may also be able to find groups on other topics or help start one in your area. Although these groups can offer a sense of community and safety, they often aren’t led by a therapist, so the advice provided might not be applicable or accurate. 

Mental health support through sliding scale

Some non-NHS therapists offer sliding scale therapy, which allows clients to pay out of pocket for a lower session cost based on their income. This option might be cheaper than the full cost of a therapy session or the co-pay price for an insurance plan. A person might try to find a sliding-scale therapist if they need a specialist or want to work with a therapist who can’t be reimbursed by insurance.  

Work, study, and charity options for finding support

Some people may receive free or low-cost therapy options through their jobs, school, or a local charity. For example, some companies offer mental healthcare coverage as part of an employee benefits plan. Some universities also offer counseling on campus, which students can take advantage of by visiting and requesting an appointment. If you don’t have mental healthcare options through these avenues, you can try a search tool like the Hub of Hope service finder organized by Chasing the Stigma, a nonprofit. 

Receive cost-effective care in online therapy

Chat with a credentialed counselor

Online therapy and mental health support for United Kingdom residents 

BetterHelp offers a convenient and accessible option for remote mental health care, making it easier for individuals to connect with credentialed therapists regardless of their location. Clients can specify their preferences when signing up, including therapy modalities or specialties such as eating disorders or trauma from sexual abuse, ensuring they receive support tailored to their needs.

Platforms like Regain also offer couples therapy online, which may be helpful for couples who struggle to find other options. An online couples therapist can guide partners through mental health challenges and relationship breakdown.