NHS Talking Therapies

Free NHS therapy — compare waits, refer yourself

NHS Talking Therapies offers free, confidential treatment for anxiety, depression, and related conditions. You do not need to see a GP first— you can refer yourself to a service directly, and waiting times differ between services. Figures below are NHS England's published statistics for April 2026.

Need support now? Call NHS 111 and select the mental-health option (free, 24/7), call the Samaritans on 116 123, or text SHOUT to 85258. In an emergency call 999. The figures on this page are monthly statistics about routine referrals — they say nothing about urgent help, which is always available.

Find the services for your area

Services are commissioned by area — enter your postcode to see the ones with recorded activity for yours, fastest median first.

England, April 2026

The median service starts treatment in 26 daysfrom referral, and England currently meets both national standards (75% starting within 6 weeks, 95% within 18). Individual services range widely — that spread is why it's worth comparing before you self-refer.

Every service, A–Z

131 NHS Talking Therapies providers reporting in April 2026. “—” means too few patients to report, not zero.

Service	Median wait	Within 6 wks	Within 18 wks
1829 Building	28 days	95.0%	99.0%
1point (north West)	0 days	91.0%	94.0%
42nd Street	63 days	—	—
African and Caribbean Mental Health Services	24 days	43.0%	93.0%
Alliance Psychology Services Ltd	23 days	98.0%	100.0%
Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust	15 days	98.0%	100.0%
Beacon Counselling	12 days	—	100.0%

How to refer yourself

Pick a service above (or use the NHS service finder) — you must be registered with a GP in England, but you do not need an appointment or a referral letter.
Complete the service's online self-referral form or call them — it usually takes about 10 minutes.
The service contacts you for a first assessment, then treatment (talking therapy, in person, by phone or online).

Source: NHS England Digital, NHS Talking Therapies Monthly Statistics (April 2026). Median wait = days from referral to starting treatment. The 6-week and 18-week percentages use the NHS standard's own basis (people who finished a course of treatment in the month). Full definitions on our methodology page.