Stroke Recovery: Finding Therapy Support in the UK

Uses your browser’s own voice. Nothing is sent to us.

In short: After a stroke, NHS rehabilitation is usually led by a team that can include physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists and psychologists. When NHS rehab ends, or alongside it, you can also see registered private practitioners. Check their HCPC registration before you book.

Please read. This is general information from us, not medical, clinical or professional advice. We’re a directory: we don’t provide therapy, we don’t recommend or guarantee any practitioner, and we’re not a crisis service. If you need urgent help, please use the crisis box at the bottom of this page. Services and rules change, so check the official websites linked here.

If Someone Is Having a Stroke

Act FAST. If someone’s face has dropped, they can’t lift both arms or their speech is slurred, call 999 straight away. This page is about recovery afterwards.

NHS Stroke Rehabilitation

Rehab often starts in hospital and may continue at home through an early supported discharge or community stroke team. How much therapy is offered, and for how long, varies by area. Ask the team for a discharge plan and who to contact if things change. The Stroke Association has a free helpline and information for survivors and families. Different Strokes supports younger stroke survivors.

Which Professions Can Help

Physiotherapists work on movement, balance, walking, strength and arm or hand use.
Occupational therapists help with everyday tasks such as washing, dressing, cooking, getting back to work or driving, and with equipment and changes at home.
Speech and language therapists help with aphasia (difficulty with language), unclear speech and swallowing problems.
Psychologists, including clinical psychologists and neuropsychologists, help with changes in thinking and memory, and with mood, anxiety and adjusting after a stroke. Counsellors and psychotherapists can support survivors and families too.

Many people find it helps if their private therapists talk to each other and to the NHS team, with consent.

How to Check Registration

Before you book, look the practitioner up yourself on the official register. Psychologists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, speech and language therapists, dietitians and arts therapists must be on the HCPC register to use those titles. Counsellors and psychotherapists are usually on a register accredited by the Professional Standards Authority, such as BACP, UKCP, BPC or NCPS. Psychiatrists are doctors on the GMC register. Our guide to checking a register shows how. On Therapist Circle, each practitioner’s register and number is shown on their profile so you can check it too.

Cost and How to Choose

Private therapy is paid per session or as a package, and home visits often cost more; ask for fees in writing. Some health insurance covers rehabilitation. Ask about experience with stroke or neurological rehabilitation, what goals you will set together, how progress will be reviewed, and whether they can visit at home or work online. See how much therapy costs.

Find a Registered Practitioner

Search Therapist Circle by profession, then filter by area, online or in person:

Find a physiotherapist Find an occupational therapist Find a speech and language therapist Find a psychologist

Common Questions

Can I get private physio after NHS stroke rehab ends?

Yes. Many people see a private neurological physiotherapist after, or alongside, NHS rehab. Check they are HCPC registered.

Who helps with speech problems after a stroke?

Speech and language therapists help with aphasia, unclear speech and swallowing problems after a stroke.

Is low mood after a stroke common?

Emotional changes after a stroke are common. Tell your GP or stroke team, and consider a psychologist or counsellor for support.

What does an occupational therapist do after a stroke?

They help with everyday tasks, equipment and changes at home, and with returning to work, hobbies or driving.

Last updated 4 November 2026. General information only, not medical advice. Check the official websites linked on this page, as services change. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the NHS, the HCPC or any professional body.

Who can help: Psychotherapists: what they do and how to find one · Find a registered practitioner

Free trusted help: NHS: stroke recovery

Mind and feelings: Anxiety · Depression · Trauma · Grief · Psychosis · Arts therapies

Body, communication and daily living: Speech, swallowing and stammering · Stroke recovery · Back and joint pain · Sports injuries · Sensory needs and autism · Children’s motor skills · Daily living · Memory and dementia · Eating and nutrition · IBS

All issues · Online or in person?

More help guides: Swallowing difficulties · Home adaptations and daily living · Slurred or unclear speech (dysarthria)