NHS Talking Therapies (previously called IAPT) provide free, confidential psychological therapies for adults in England. Equivalent services exist across the UK. They are recommended as first-line treatment by NICE for many common mental health problems and can also help with insomnia.
What it can help with
- Anxiety, panic and excessive worry.
- Low mood and depression.
- Stress, including work-related stress.
- Insomnia (CBT for insomnia).
- Phobias, post-traumatic stress, obsessive-compulsive symptoms.
What to expect
- An initial assessment, usually by phone, to discuss what would help.
- A short course of therapy — often cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) — delivered one-to-one, in a group, online, or via guided self-help.
- Sessions are usually weekly for around 6–20 weeks, depending on need.
How to access it
- England: you can self-refer to your local NHS Talking Therapies service — no GP referral needed. Your GP can also refer you.
- Scotland: talk to your GP or visit NHS inform mental health self-help.
- Wales: talk to your GP or visit NHS Wales mental health services.
- Northern Ireland: talk to your GP, who can refer you to local mental health services.
If you need urgent help
If you are in mental health crisis, call NHS 111 and select the mental health option, or contact Samaritans on 116 123 (free, 24/7). In an emergency call 999.