Help for Depression in the UK: Where to Start

The NHS says you can refer yourself to an NHS talking therapies service if you're registered with a GP in England (find your local service). You can also ask your GP, who can talk through treatment options, including talking therapies and medicines. In Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, your GP is usually the first step.

The NHS notes that waiting times can be several weeks or months. If you get worse while you wait, contact your GP or the service you're waiting for. If your depression is severe, you may be referred to a community mental health team, which can include psychologists, psychiatrists, occupational therapists and other mental health professionals.

The NHS depression treatment page lists these options and typical lengths. Your practitioner will agree the plan with you.

• Guided self-help: working through a book or online course with support, usually 6 to 8 sessions.
• Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT): usually 8 to 16 sessions.
• Behavioural activation: usually 12 to 16 sessions.
• Problem-solving therapy: usually 6 to 12 sessions.
• Interpersonal therapy (IPT): usually 8 to 16 sessions.
• Psychodynamic psychotherapy: usually 8 to 16 sessions.
• Counselling: usually 8 to 16 sessions.
• Behavioural couples therapy: usually 15 to 20 sessions over 5 to 6 months, if your relationship is affected.
• Group mindfulness is another option recommended by NICE.

Source: NHS: treatment for depression. Some people are also offered antidepressants, sometimes alongside therapy. Medicines are a decision for you and a doctor, such as your GP or a psychiatrist.

If you want to start sooner, choose who you see, or have longer-term therapy, you can see a private practitioner. Several professions can help with depression, and none is better for everyone:

• Counsellors and psychotherapists, who offer talking therapy, short or longer term.
• Practitioner psychologists, such as clinical and counselling psychologists, who are on the HCPC register.
• CBT therapists, who use cognitive behavioural therapy.
• Arts therapists and dance movement psychotherapists, if talking alone feels hard.
• Occupational therapists, who can help with daily routines, work and getting back to activities that matter to you.
• Psychiatrists, medical doctors who can assess, diagnose and prescribe, often for more severe or complex depression.

Ask about fees, session length and how you will review progress together. See how much therapy costs and questions to ask before you book. Whoever you choose, check their register. On Therapist Circle, each practitioner's registration is checked when they join, and their profile shows the register and number so you can check it yourself.

• NHS Every Mind Matters: free tips and a personal plan for your mental health.
• Hub of Hope: local mental health support, searchable by postcode.
• Free and low-cost therapy: charities, workplaces, universities and training clinics.