Mental health support: talking therapies and crisis help
In short
- If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999 or go to A&E.
- For urgent mental health help that is not an emergency, call NHS 111 and select the mental health option (often option 2), or use 111 online.
- Samaritans listen 24/7 on 116 123 (free). For anxiety and depression you can often self-refer to free NHS Talking Therapies without seeing a GP first.
Urgent? Danger now — call 999 or go to A&E. Urgent mental health help — call 111 and select the mental health option. Someone to talk to any time — Samaritans 116 123. This page is information only. It cannot diagnose or treat mental health conditions.
Looking after your mental health matters as much as your physical health. You will not be wasting anyone's time by asking for help. This guide is for England.
If you need help now
- Emergency: call 999 or go to A&E if you or someone else is in danger (NHS: urgent support).
- Urgent, not an emergency: call NHS 111 and select the mental health option. In many areas this is option 2. You can also use 111 online. Trained staff can listen and link you to local crisis help, day or night.
- Samaritans: free, any time, on 116 123 from landlines and mobiles (Samaritans).
- CALM (mainly for men, open to anyone): 0800 58 58 58, 5pm to midnight.
- Under 19: Childline 0800 1111.
NHS Talking Therapies (self-referral)
For common problems such as stress, anxiety and depression, adults in England who are registered with a GP can usually refer themselves to NHS Talking Therapies without speaking to a GP first (NHS: talking therapies). In some areas you can from age 16.
- It is free and confidential.
- Therapies may be in person, by phone, video or an online course. You may get one-to-one or group sessions.
- Find your local service: NHS: find mental health services.
For eating disorders, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, psychosis, or drug and alcohol problems, speak to a GP — they can refer you to a suitable specialist.
When to see a GP
Contact your GP if you are unsure where to start, or if you have new symptoms such as hallucinations or strong beliefs that others do not share (possible signs of psychosis). Early treatment helps (NHS Every Mind Matters).
Carers and social care
Mental health needs can also lead to a council care needs assessment. Carers can ask for a carer's assessment. Use our postcode tool.
Free help
- NHS: urgent mental health support
- NHS: talking therapies
- Mind
- Samaritans — 116 123
- Hub of Hope — find local services
Information only. This is about England. It is not medical advice and cannot replace emergency services, your GP or a specialist.
Information only. This page explains official guidance in plain English. It is not legal or medical advice. Rules can change. For advice about your own case, contact Citizens Advice or another free adviser.
Where this applies: England. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have different rules.
Written by Social Care Made Easy. Last checked: 29 October 2026.