Fortunately, there are several ways to access free mental health support, including NHS services, charities, community organisations, and helplines.
At a glance
- NHS mental health services are free at the point of use
- UK charities like Mind, Samaritans, CALM, and Shout offer free support
- Most universities provide free counselling for students
- Local community organisations may offer free or low-cost support
- For free NHS therapy specifically, see our NHS Talking Therapies guide
Other free routes to mental health support
Beyond the routes covered in this guide, the NHS provides free mental health care that includes Talking Therapies, specialist services, and 24/7 crisis support. If you are looking for free NHS mental health support, the guides below explain how each route works and how to access it.
Free NHS mental health care:
How to Get Mental Health Support in the UKFree NHS therapy:
NHS Talking Therapies ExplainedUrgent free support:
Mental Health Crisis Support in the UKMental health charities
Many UK charities provide free mental health support services, including helplines, online resources, and peer support.
Mind
Mind provides information, support services, and helplines for people experiencing mental health difficulties.
Samaritans
Samaritans offers confidential emotional support for people experiencing distress or struggling to cope.
Helpline: 116 123 (free, 24/7)
CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably)
CALM provides support for people in crisis, with a particular focus on suicide prevention. Their helpline and webchat are available to anyone who needs to talk.
Helpline: 0800 58 58 58 (available 5pm–midnight daily)
Shout
Shout provides a free, confidential text support service for people experiencing mental health difficulties.
Text SHOUT to 85258
University mental health support
Students in the UK may also be able to access free mental health support through their university.
Many universities offer:
- counselling services
- wellbeing teams
- mental health advisers
- peer support programmes
Students experiencing mental health difficulties may wish to contact their university's student wellbeing services for support.
Community mental health support
Some local organisations provide free or low-cost mental health support within communities.
Examples may include:
- peer support groups
- community wellbeing programmes
- voluntary sector counselling services
Availability varies depending on the local area.
Local councils or charities may provide information about community mental health services.
Not sure which free support route fits your situation?
A care navigator can talk through NHS, charity, and community options based on your situation — written plan within 48 hours.
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Navigating mental health care options
Free mental health support is available across the UK through NHS services, charities, and community organisations.
Find Care Compare helps patients understand mental health care pathways and explore available providers.
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Explore mental health care options and understand your pathways to accessing support.
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Information in this guide is based on publicly available NHS guidance and UK mental health charities.
Related guides
How to Get Mental Health Support in the UK
A practical guide to accessing NHS mental health support, including talking therapies, specialist services, and crisis support.
NHS Talking Therapies Explained
Free NHS psychological therapy for anxiety, depression, and common mental health conditions — self-referral available in most areas.
Mental Health Crisis Support in the UK
Where to find urgent mental health support, including helplines, NHS 111, and crisis services available 24/7.
How to Get Therapy in the UK
Understand the three main ways to access therapy in the UK — NHS, charity, and private — and how to choose the right route.