Many NHS services require a referral from a GP before patients can access specialist care. However, some services allow patients to self-refer, meaning they can contact the service directly without needing to see a GP first.
Self-referral services can make it easier and faster to access care, particularly for common conditions such as musculoskeletal problems or mental health difficulties.
What is NHS self-referral?
Self-referral means that a patient can contact a healthcare service directly to request an appointment or assessment, rather than needing a referral from a GP.
According to NHS guidance, some services allow self-referral to help improve access to care and reduce waiting times for common health issues.
Key point
NHS Talking Therapies (mental health)
One of the most widely used NHS self-referral pathways is NHS Talking Therapies, which provide psychological treatment for conditions such as anxiety and depression.
Many people in England can self-refer directly to their local talking therapy service without needing a GP referral.
Treatments may include:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- counselling
- guided self-help
- group therapy
How NHS Talking Therapies work, what they offer, and how to self-refer.
Physiotherapy services
In some areas of England, patients may be able to self-refer to NHS physiotherapy services for conditions such as back pain or joint problems.
This pathway allows patients to access physiotherapy assessment without seeing a GP first. Availability varies depending on local NHS services.
Sexual health clinics
NHS sexual health services can usually be accessed directly without a GP referral.
Sexual health clinics may provide services such as:
- STI testing and treatment
- contraception advice
- sexual health counselling
Patients can often contact their local clinic directly to arrange an appointment.
Maternity services
People who are pregnant may be able to self-refer to maternity services in some areas.
Self-referral may allow individuals to contact a local maternity team or midwife directly to begin pregnancy care. Availability varies depending on the NHS trust.
Drug and alcohol services
Some local services supporting people with drug or alcohol dependency allow self-referral.
These services may provide:
- counselling
- addiction treatment programmes
- community support
Availability varies by local authority and NHS provider.
When you still need a GP referral
Many NHS services still require a GP referral before patients can access specialist care.
Examples include:
- hospital consultants
- specialist mental health teams
- diagnostic tests such as scans
- surgical services
Understand the different types of NHS referrals and how to navigate them.
Navigating NHS care pathways
Self-referral services can make it easier for patients to access certain types of care quickly. However, availability can vary depending on location and local NHS services.
Understanding which services allow self-referral can help you navigate the NHS more effectively and access the support you need without unnecessary delays.
A detailed guide to self-referring for NHS mental health and other services.
Find NHS self-referral services near you
Search local services accepting self-referral and check eligibility in your area.
- NHS Talking Therapies
- Physiotherapy and sexual health
- Local waiting times
Sources
This guide draws on publicly available NHS information.
Sources referenced include:
- NHS — Getting NHS treatment (nhs.uk)
- NHS — Talking therapies service finder (nhs.uk)
- NHS — Physiotherapy (nhs.uk)
- NHS — Sexual health services (nhs.uk)
- NHS — Pregnancy and baby (nhs.uk)
- NHS — Drug addiction support (nhs.uk)
Related guides
The complete guide to self-referral
A detailed guide to self-referring for NHS mental health and other services.
Read guide GuideHow to register with a GP
How to register with a GP practice in England and what to expect.
Read guide GuideWhat is an NHS referral?
Understand the different types of NHS referrals and how to navigate them.
Read guide GuideNHS Talking Therapies explained
How NHS Talking Therapies work, what they offer, and how to self-refer.
Read guide