Self-Harm: Where to Get Help in the UK

The NHS lists these free, confidential listening services (read 11 November 2026). You can talk about anything that is troubling you, however difficult:

• Samaritans: call 116 123, any time
• Shout: text SHOUT to 85258
• CALM (if you are 15 or over): call 0800 585 858 or use the webchat, 5pm to midnight every day
• Childline (if you are under 19): call 0800 1111. The number will not show on your phone bill

The NHS says these services will only share your information if they are very worried about you or think you are in immediate danger. Source: NHS: where to get help for self-harm.

The NHS advises speaking to a GP if you are harming yourself, having thoughts about harming yourself, or are worried about minor injuries such as small cuts or burns, because without treatment there is a risk of infection.

A GP will listen and talk through the options with you, which could include self-help or support groups, and can treat minor injuries. They may ask detailed questions to understand what is behind the self-harm; the NHS says it is important to be honest, even if you do not know why you self-harm. If needed, they may refer you for an assessment with a local community mental health team (CMHT). Under-18s may be referred to children and young people's mental health services. Source: NHS.

The NHS says an assessment may ask about what led to the self-harm, how you feel afterwards, your relationships and living situation, what you have tried, any injuries, and whether you have thoughts of ending your life. Your care team then makes a care plan with you.

A care plan may include a talking therapy. The NHS names cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) among the options. Sessions can be face to face, online, by phone, or with family or a partner. Medicine may be suggested alongside therapy if you have been diagnosed with a condition such as depression. Source: NHS: self-harm assessment and treatments.

The people involved can include counsellors, psychologists, psychiatrists, community mental health nurses, social workers and occupational therapists, and you may be referred to a specialist, for example for bereavement or an eating disorder.

Some people also see a private counsellor, psychotherapist or psychologist. If you do, tell them about the self-harm at the start so they can say whether they have the right experience, and ask how they would work with your GP or NHS team if you are worried about your safety. A private therapist is not an emergency service, so keep the numbers above to hand.

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.

You can search counsellors and psychotherapists or psychologists on Therapist Circle, and filter by what you would like help with.

The NHS lists support for friends and family too, including the YoungMinds Parents Helpline (0808 802 5544, 9.30am to 4pm on weekdays), Mind's information line (0300 123 3393, 9am to 6pm on weekdays) and Harmless. If someone's life is at risk now, call 999. See also helping someone find a practitioner and your child's mental health. Source: NHS.