A frequent question is about getting depression counselling in the UK without NHS waiting times, and this is of course something many people are conscious of when trying to find help for depression in the UK.
NHS mental health services are often excellent and offer evidence-based treatment, however, due to the high demand for the service, it can sometimes be a waiting time of a number of weeks or even months until an individual starts a counselling or therapy program. If you are feeling depressed these times can be extremely worrying to cope with, as depression is having a negative impact on work, family and everyday life.
NHS talking therapy treatments are available through the NHS Talking Therapies service (previously known as IAPT services) and are available to treat anxiety and depression with the offer of therapy, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) counselling, and guided self-help, among others.
Waiting times can be significant and can differ from area to area, depending on demand and capacity for the service. In some areas people can be seen within a couple of weeks, although this may be much longer. Waiting times are typically worse during winter months or during peak demand following events such as the public health crises over the past few years. Some individuals are sometimes given access to group sessions, assessments and/or resources they can utilize during their wait.
Private Therapy Options
Private therapy is one of the most popular substitutes to services offered by the NHS. Using a private counsellor can mean getting an appointment in a matter of days, rather than weeks or months, which may be beneficial for some if they feel that their symptoms are deteriorating or they do not wish to wait for public services. Private counsellors use a number of therapies such as CBT, integrative counselling, psychodynamic therapy, and other more specific treatments, depending on the individual’s training and area of specialisation.
Appointments are normally made once per week, and some counsellors can be chosen by their experience, their area of specialisation, and/or their therapeutic method. Costs are involved in this alternative, but many find the ability to obtain therapy quicker, more efficient, and more worthwhile, particularly when suffering from chronic depression.
In more recent times, online therapy has seen an increase in popularity. There are various certified online services providing video, telephone or message-based counseling to those who wish to receive support from their home. With online therapy there is a certain degree of flexibility in terms of scheduling as well as removal of some of the obstacles associated with physical attendance to appointments. This could make therapy much easier for a depressive to access early on, and stay consistent, despite reduced motivation and low energy levels.
Charities and Low-Cost Support
There are many UK mental health charities which also offer support to those struggling with depression. Mind, and local counselling services for example may offer low-cost therapy, support groups and helplines. There can still be a waiting list but can sometimes have a shorter wait time than some routes available via the NHS.
Some training clinics and university counselling courses may offer low-cost sessions to individuals using therapies provided by trainee therapists in a supervised setting. If symptoms are particularly severe or involve thoughts of suicide and self-harm it is important that help is obtained urgently. In the UK an urgent mental health helplines is available via the NHS, 999 can be called in an emergency, and there is an A & E service available. A 24/7 Samaritans helpline is also available.
