Do You Need a Referral to See a Therapist in the UK?

In short: to see a practitioner privately, you usually don’t need a referral. You can contact them yourself. On the NHS, it depends on the service. In England you can refer yourself to NHS Talking Therapies, and in some areas to physiotherapy and other services, while others need a referral from your GP, health visitor, school or another professional.

Knowing who to ask first can save you weeks. This guide goes through each kind of practitioner, so you can see how to get started with the one you need.

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Seeing Someone Privately

Most private practitioners take enquiries straight from you, so you don’t need a GP letter. A few things are still worth knowing:

• Health insurance. If you hope your insurer will pay, check the policy first. Some insurers ask for a GP referral or only cover certain professions.
• Medical information. Some practitioners, for example psychiatrists, dietitians or physiotherapists working with a health condition, may ask for a letter from your GP or for permission to write to your GP. Ask them how they work.
• Check the register. Whoever you choose, check their registration before you book. Our guide on how to check a register covers every UK register in one place.

Profession by Profession

• Counsellors, psychotherapists and CBT therapists. In England you can refer yourself to NHS Talking Therapies for common problems such as anxiety and depression. Privately, contact the practitioner directly. See counsellors, psychotherapists and CBT therapists.
• Occupational therapists. The NHS website says you can speak to a GP about a referral or ask your local council, for example about help at home (NHS: occupational therapy). For help with daily living at home you can also ask your council for a needs assessment. See occupational therapists.
• Physiotherapists. The NHS website says you may be able to refer yourself for NHS physiotherapy, or a healthcare professional may need to refer you (NHS: physiotherapy). See physiotherapists.
• Speech and language therapists. Some NHS services accept requests from adults or parents, and others need a referral from a GP, health visitor, school or hospital team. See speech and language therapists.
• Dietitians. On the NHS you’re usually referred by your GP, consultant or another health professional, and in some areas you can refer yourself. See dietitians.
• Psychologists and psychiatrists. NHS psychology and psychiatry services usually need a referral, often from your GP or an NHS mental health team. Privately, you can contact a psychologist yourself, and a psychiatrist may ask for a GP letter. See psychologists and psychiatrists.
• Arts therapists, play therapists and family therapists. NHS access is usually through a team you’re already seeing, such as a mental health or children’s service. Privately, contact the practitioner directly. See arts therapists, play therapists and family therapy.

For Children and Young People

Good first contacts are your GP, health visitor, or your child’s school (the SENCO, or special educational needs coordinator). They know your local services and can make or support a referral. Our guides on getting help for your child’s mental health and which professional for my child explain the options.

Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland

Health services are run separately in each nation, so referral routes differ. Your GP practice is the best first step, and our pages for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland list local support.

Finding Someone Yourself

If you decide to see someone privately, you can search registered practitioners on Find by profession, area, and online or in person. Every listing shows the practitioner’s register so you can check it, and it’s free to use. Our guide to fees and NHS routes explains costs.

Common Questions

Do I need a GP referral to see a therapist privately?

Usually not. You can contact most private practitioners yourself, including counsellors, psychotherapists, psychologists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, physiotherapists, dietitians and arts therapists. If you want your private health insurance to pay, check first, because some insurers ask for a GP referral.

Can I refer myself for NHS talking therapy?

In England, yes. You can refer yourself to an NHS Talking Therapies service for common problems such as anxiety and depression, without seeing your GP first. In Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, ask your GP practice what is available locally.

Can I refer myself for NHS physiotherapy?

In some areas, yes. The NHS website says you may be able to refer yourself for NHS physiotherapy, or a healthcare professional may need to refer you. Ask your GP practice or check your local NHS service.

How do I get an occupational therapist?

The NHS website says you can speak to a GP about a referral, or contact your local council to ask about occupational therapy, for example for help at home. You can also pay a registered occupational therapist privately.

Can I refer my child to a speech and language therapist?

Some NHS children’s speech and language therapy services accept requests for help from parents, and others need a referral from a health visitor, GP or school. Ask your health visitor, GP or your child’s school about your local service.

Last reviewed 25 October 2026. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the NHS or any professional body.

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