The NHS provides a wide range of services designed to support people experiencing mental health difficulties. However, many people are unsure how the system works or what services may be available.
Mental health care in England is typically delivered across several levels of support, ranging from GP advice and talking therapies to specialist community services and hospital care.
This guide explains how NHS mental health services are structured, how people access them, and what usually happens when someone seeks support.
At a glance
- NHS mental health care uses a stepped care system
- Most people start with their GP or NHS Talking Therapies
- Specialist services (CMHTs, CAMHS) require referral
- Crisis services are available 24/7 without referral
How mental health care is organised in the NHS
Mental health care in the NHS is usually delivered through a stepped care system. This means people may start with lower-intensity support and move to specialist services if needed.
According to NHS guidance, services can include:
- GP support and primary care
- NHS Talking Therapies (psychological therapies)
- community mental health teams
- specialist mental health services
- hospital-based mental health care
Source: NHS – Mental health services
Primary care and GP support
For many people, the first step in seeking mental health support is speaking with a GP.
During a GP appointment, patients can discuss symptoms such as:
- anxiety
- low mood or depression
- stress or burnout
- sleep difficulties
- changes in behaviour or wellbeing
A GP may suggest initial support options or refer the patient to other NHS services.
Source: NHS – Getting help for mental health
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How to Get Mental Health Support in the UKNHS Talking Therapies (psychological therapies)
One of the most widely used NHS mental health services is NHS Talking Therapies, which provide psychological treatments for common mental health conditions.
These services may offer:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- counselling
- guided self-help
- group therapy
Key point
In England, many people can self-refer to these services without seeing a GP first.
Source: NHS Talking Therapies
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NHS Talking Therapies ExplainedCommunity Mental Health Teams
Community Mental Health Teams (CMHTs) provide specialist care for people who need more structured mental health support.
These teams may include:
- psychiatrists
- psychologists
- mental health nurses
- social workers
- occupational therapists
CMHTs may support people with conditions such as:
- severe depression
- bipolar disorder
- schizophrenia
- complex mental health needs
Source: NHS – Community mental health teams
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Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)
Children and young people may receive mental health support through CAMHS.
These services assess and treat mental health difficulties affecting children and teenagers.
Referrals to CAMHS are often made through:
- GPs
- schools
- social care services
Source: NHS – CAMHS
Crisis mental health services
If someone needs urgent mental health support, the NHS provides crisis services designed to respond quickly.
Examples include:
- NHS urgent mental health helplines
- crisis resolution teams
- emergency departments (A&E)
In urgent situations, people can also contact NHS 111 for advice.
Source: NHS – Urgent mental health help
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Mental Health Crisis Support in the UKWaiting times for NHS mental health services
Waiting times vary by area and service. The NHS aims for 75% of people referred to talking therapies to begin treatment within 6 weeks, and 95% within 18 weeks, though actual waits may be shorter or longer depending on local demand.
Some services, such as talking therapies, may have relatively short waits, while specialist services may involve longer waiting lists.
Understanding the referral pathway can help people navigate the system more easily.
Learn more:
How NHS Referrals WorkNavigating mental health care options
The NHS provides a wide range of mental health services, but understanding how to access them can sometimes feel confusing.
Find Care Compare helps patients understand mental health care pathways and explore available providers.
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Information in this guide is based on NHS guidance about mental health services.
NHS sources referenced include:
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 Assessment: What Happens
What to expect during a mental health assessment, who conducts them, and how to prepare.
Mental Health Crisis Support in the UK
Where to find urgent mental health support, including helplines, NHS 111, and crisis services available 24/7.