NHS Talking Therapies

NHS Talking Therapies (previously called IAPT) is the NHS service in England that provides psychological therapies for common problems such as anxiety, low mood, panic, phobias, obsessive-compulsive difficulties and post-traumatic stress.

Who it is for

Adults aged 18 and over who are registered with a GP in England. It is designed for common mental health difficulties. More complex or higher-risk presentations are usually directed to community mental health teams instead.

How you get in

• You can refer yourself directly in most areas — you do not always need your GP.
• Your GP can also refer you.
• You will usually have a short telephone assessment first to agree what type of support fits.
• What is offered varies: guided self-help, group courses, or one-to-one therapy such as CBT or counselling.

What waiting is usually like

Waits vary considerably by area and by the type of therapy. The first assessment is often quicker than the therapy that follows it. Ask, at the assessment, what the current wait is for the specific type of therapy being suggested.

Find your local service

Somapath does not book, search or hold appointments. Use the official NHS service finder:

NHS Talking Therapies service finder (nhs.uk)

Questions worth asking

• What type of therapy are you offering me, and why that one?
• How many sessions, and how often?
• What is the current wait for that therapy in this service?
• What happens if this is not the right fit after a few sessions?
• Who do I contact if things get worse while I am waiting?

Content reviewed: 1 September 2026