I need urgent help for my mental health
If you need support or help now, here are links to key Mental Health & Support Services
If you need help for a mental health crisis or emergency, you should get immediate expert advice and assessment. If it is an emergency call 999 and ask for an ambulance, or go to the Accident and Emergency Department at the hospital.
Get advice from NHS 111 or seek an urgent appointment with your GP. You can access the 111 service online. 111 will tell you the right place to get help. You may be able to speak to a trained mental health professional over the phone.
A GP can advise you about helpful treatments and also help you access mental health services. You may be able to refer yourself to some services.
Please note: our BABCP office team aren’t able to give mental health advice or urgent support.
BABCP links those struggling with their mental health to accredited therapists – we do not provide therapy or counselling.
Our head office staff cannot offer individual or emergency support for those in crisis. If you’re experiencing mental health issues or need urgent help, there are many resources available for support.
How to access a Cognitive Behavioural Therapist
Start by discussing your concerns with your doctor as they can guide you to local resources and provide a referral if needed.
Many therapists using CBT approaches such as CBT therapists and Wellbeing Practitioners work within the NHS and waiting times can vary. Some accredited therapists also offer CBT privately – either as self-employed professionals or through clinics. Use our CBT Register UK & Ireland to check that your practitioner meets our expectations.
CBT Register UK
BABCP accredits CBT practitioners in the NHS and privately, widely recognised by health employers, training institutions, and insurers. Accreditation helps protect the public and ensure high-quality care.
You can check if your therapist is accredited or registered with BABCP here.
If you are looking for a BABCP-accredited therapist to help you, go to our Find a Therapist search function.
Please note that other CBT practitioners may be registered with reputable organisations.
Other mental health support services
Anxiety UK
A user-led organisation, run by people with experience of living with anxiety, stress or anxiety-based depression, supported by a high-profile medical advisory panel. We work to relieve and support those living with anxiety and anxiety-based depression by providing information, support and understanding via an extensive range of services, including 1:1 therapy.
Telephone: 03444 775 774 (Mon-Fri: 9am-5.30pm)
Website
Samaritans
Provides confidential, non-judgmental emotional support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those that could lead to suicide. You can phone, email, write a letter or in most cases talk to someone face to face.
Telephone: 116 123 (24 hours a day)
Email: jo@samaritans.org
Website
Mind Infoline
Mind provides confidential mental health information services. The Infoline gives information on types of mental distress, where to get help, drug treatments, alternative therapies and advocacy.
Telephone: 0300 123 3393 (9am-6pm Monday to Friday)
Email: info@mind.org.uk
Website
Rethink Mental Illness Advice Line
Provides expert advice and information to people with mental health problems and those who care for them, as well as giving help to health professionals, employers and staff.
Telephone: 0808 801 0525 (9.30am – 4pm Monday to Friday)
Email: info@rethink.org
Website
Saneline
National mental health helpline providing information and support to people with mental health problems and those who support them.
Telephone: 0300 304 7000 (4pm to 10pm every day)
Text support form: https://form.jotform.com/221004693319350
Email: support@sane.org.uk
Website
ChildLine
Private and confidential service for children and young people up to the age of nineteen.
Telephone: 0800 1111
1-2-1 chat
Website
Silverline
Silver Line is the only free confidential helpline providing information, friendship and advice to older people, open 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
Telephone: 0800 470 8090 (24 hours every day)
Website
NSPCC
NSPCC is the UK’s leading children’s charity, and provides resources for the mental wellbeing of children, as well as online links to counselling services.
Telephone: 0808 800 5000 (adults concerned about a child)
0800 1111 (children and young people)
(10am – 4pm Monday to Friday)
Email: help@nspcc.org.uk
Website
Place2Be
Place2Be provides mental health support for children in schools, as well as free mental health training and services for under 18s.
Text: Text CONNECT to 85258 (24 hours every day) (in partnership with Shout)
Website
Young Minds
Young Minds is a support service for young people, with a range of resources and support available for young people as well as parents, carers, and those who work with young people.
Telephone: 0808 802 5544 (9.30am – 4pm Monday, Thursday and Friday 9.30am – 6pm Tuesday and Wednesday)
Website (Online chat service available) (9.30am – 4pm Monday to Friday)
