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How to find a counsellor in the UK: NHS Talking Therapies and self-referral, private counselling costs, low-cost options and checking registration.
Talking to Your GP About Your Mental Health
How to talk to your GP about mental health: how to prepare, what to say, questions to ask, what your GP may suggest and what to do if you feel unheard.
Key takeaways
- Your GP can listen, check for physical causes, discuss treatment and refer you to talking therapies or specialist services.
- Writing down what’s been happening, for how long and how it affects you makes a short appointment count.
- If you don’t feel heard, you can see another GP; and if you’re in crisis, don’t wait for an appointment.
On this page
For most mental health worries, your GP is a good place to start. They can listen, check whether something physical might be contributing, talk through treatment options such as self-help, talking therapies and medication, refer you to other services and give you a fit note if you’re not well enough to work. Appointments can be short, so it helps to prepare: note what’s been happening, how long it’s gone on and how it affects your life, and say clearly what you’d like help with.
Why see your GP
- To be assessed and understand what might be going on
- To rule out physical causes, such as thyroid problems, that can affect mood and energy
- To discuss treatment, including medication, and its pros and cons
- To be referred to talking therapies, community mental health teams or other services
- To get a fit note if your mental health is stopping you working
- To have a record that supports you in future, for example with work adjustments
Booking the appointment
- Ask for a longer appointment if your practice offers them.
- Ask for a GP you trust, or one with an interest in mental health.
- Choose how to be seen: face to face, phone or video, whichever you find easiest.
- You don’t have to explain to the receptionist. Saying “it’s about my mental health” is enough.
Prepare beforehand
Write down:
- what you’ve been feeling and doing differently
- when it started and how long it has lasted
- how it affects sleep, appetite, energy, work, study and relationships
- anything that makes it better or worse
- any alcohol or drug use
- any medication you take, and past mental health support
- what you’d like to happen next
If it’s hard to say out loud, you can hand your GP the note or read from it. Many people do.
What to say
You don’t need the perfect words. You could start with:
- “I haven’t been feeling like myself for a few months, and it’s affecting my work.”
- “I think I might be depressed, and I’d like to talk about what could help.”
- “I keep having panic attacks and I’m starting to avoid going out.”
What your GP might ask
Your GP may use short questionnaires, such as the PHQ-9 for depression and GAD-7 for anxiety, to understand how you’re feeling and track changes over time. They may ask about sleep, appetite and concentration, and whether you’ve had thoughts of harming yourself or ending your life. These questions are routine, and being honest helps them keep you safe and offer the right support. They might also suggest blood tests or a physical check.
Possible next steps
| Option | What it involves |
|---|---|
| Review appointment | Checking in again after a few weeks to see how things are going |
| Self-help and guided self-help | Books, apps or online courses, sometimes with practitioner support |
| Talking therapies | In England, NHS Talking Therapies (you can also refer yourself); elsewhere, local services via your GP |
| Medication | Such as an antidepressant, with a discussion of benefits, side effects and follow-up |
| Specialist referral | To a community mental health team or other specialist service |
| Social prescribing | A link worker who connects you with local activities and support |
| Fit note | If you’re unable to work or need adjustments; see burnout signs and recovery |
Questions to ask your GP
- What do you think might be going on?
- What are my treatment options, and what would you recommend?
- How long are the waits for talking therapies here?
- If I take medication, what side effects should I watch for, and when will we review it?
- What should I do if things get worse before my next appointment?
Across the UK
Services differ between England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, but in every nation your GP can assess you and help you access local support. In England, you can also refer yourself directly to NHS Talking Therapies without seeing your GP first.
If you don’t feel heard
- Ask to see a different GP, and say what didn’t work last time.
- Bring someone with you for support, or ask them to help you explain.
- Ask directly for a referral or a review date.
- Use your practice’s complaints procedure if you feel you were treated unfairly.
If you’re helping someone else get support, our guide to supporting someone who won’t get help may be useful.
After the appointment
Keep a simple mood diary so you can see changes. Follow up as agreed, and contact your practice sooner if things get worse. If you’d rather see a private counsellor, alongside NHS care or instead of it, see our guides to finding a counsellor in the UK and confidentiality in counselling. For specific problems, read counselling for depression or panic attacks: what helps.
If you need help now
Don’t wait for a GP appointment if you’re in crisis. If you feel unable to keep yourself safe, call 999 or go to A&E. You can call Samaritans free on 116 123, any time, or text SHOUT to 85258. In England, call NHS 111 and choose the mental health option.
Frequently asked questions
Will talking to my GP go on my medical record?
Yes, your GP will record the consultation. Your records are confidential, and employers can’t see them without your consent.
Do I need a GP referral for counselling?
Not always. In England, you can refer yourself to NHS Talking Therapies, and private counsellors don’t need a referral. Elsewhere in the UK, NHS talking therapies are usually accessed through your GP.
What if I can’t explain how I feel?
That’s very common. Write a few notes beforehand, or tell your GP you’re finding it hard to put into words; they’re used to helping people talk about this.
Sources
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Keep reading
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