Help for Hoarding Disorder in the UK

The NHS lists main symptoms including keeping so many things that it affects your life or the lives of people you care about, finding it very hard to get rid of things you cannot manage, strong attachment to them, and feeling the need to get more. This can make cooking, cleaning or paying bills hard, cause disagreements with family, or leave rooms unusable. It can also involve rescuing many animals or keeping lots of old data.

It used to be seen as a form of OCD but is now considered a separate condition. Source: NHS: hoarding disorder (read 10 November 2026).

The NHS suggests seeing a GP if you think you, or someone you know, might have hoarding disorder. A GP will usually refer you to a mental health specialist for assessment. The main treatments a GP may offer are talking therapy, usually CBT with a therapist on your own or in a group, and antidepressant medicines that can help with anxiety. Medicine decisions are for you and your doctor.

The NHS notes that many people who hoard do not see it as a problem, and it is often noticed by family, friends or neighbours. Encourage them to speak to their GP. Mind has information on hoarding and helping someone who hoards, and its helpline is 0300 123 3393 (as listed by the NHS). See also helping someone find a practitioner.

Ask a private therapist whether they have experience of hoarding and use CBT, and whether they can work with family members if you want that. BABCP accredits CBT therapists; check the CBT Register UK.

Whoever you choose, check their register and ask about fees, session length and how you will review progress together. See questions to ask before you book and how much therapy costs. 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.