Therapy sessions can be incredibly useful for anyone experiencing persistent low moods, anxiety and other mental health concerns. But did you know you can access NHS sessions for free in England?

Below, the Mirror has delved into exactly who can refer themselves online for the NHS 'talking therapies' service or how to do this through a GP surgery. While you might assume a mental health diagnosis is required to access therapy, this isn't the case for issues such as depression and anxiety.

For more immediate emotional support, you can also call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline at 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person, or go to the Samaritans website here.

Who can refer themselves online to use NHS talking therapies?

People can refer themselves to an NHS talking therapy through the NHS website here. To use this service, you must live in England and be aged 18 or over, or above 16 and 17 in some areas.

Anyone aged 17 or under may find support through children and young people's mental health services here. Although a mental health diagnosis is not required for this service, these NHS talking therapies are generally for anxiety and depression-related concerns.

For instance, the NHS suggests that therapy may help if you:

• Have obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)


• Often feel very anxious about lots of different things


• Have a persistent low mood


• Worry constantly about your health


• Have body dysmorphic disorder (BDD)


• Have panic attacks


• Have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)


• Fear social situations


• Have an overwhelming fear of something (phobias), including agoraphobia


• Have a long-term health condition, such as chronic fatigue syndrome, and are struggling with anxiety or depression as a result

To make a referral, patients will need to enter their GP surgery's name and several other details. There may be a waiting list to access sessions.

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How to refer yourself through a GP surgery

While patients can refer themselves to NHS talking therapies online, they can also ask a GP to make this referral instead. This may prove especially useful for anyone struggling with their mental health but unsure whether therapy is the best option for them.

Sometimes, it is possible to make an online referral without being registered with a GP. However, this is largely area-dependent - more information on NHS talking therapies is available here.

Last month, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) released new guidance regarding the use of digital platforms for well-being issues. This is particularly relevant for people using symptom-monitoring apps, virtual reality treatments, and other mental health platforms, especially those without approval from the NHS and other healthcare authorities.

Crucially, the UK Government agency encouraged Brits to consider several important questions about their selected platform, including whether it is trustworthy and safe for use. It also advised people to exercise caution with products that make 'big promises without clear supporting information'.

In a statement, MHRA Chair and professor of primary careat the University of Oxford, Professor Anthony Harnden, said: "When someone turns to a tool to help with their mental health, they need to know it is safe, effective, and built on reliable evidence.

"Our aim is to give people clear, practical advice they can use in everyday life, so they understand what good looks like and when to speak up if something doesn’t feel right.

"As a GP, I’ve seen how patients can benefit from accessing digital tools alongside traditional forms of care. This guidance supports better conversations between clinicians and patients and helps everyone ask the right questions about whether a tool is right for them.

"Digital mental health technologies are not a replacement for professional healthcare. Anyone experiencing mental health difficulties should seek support from trained professionals."

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Questions to ask yourself before using a digital mental health tool

According to the MHRA, there are five key queries you should consider before making use of a mental health app or online tool. These include the following:

What is it claiming to do? Does this product provide general well-being support, or does it claim to diagnose, treat or help manage a mental health condition? Any assertions made should be clearly outlined and backed up with evidence.

Who is the intended user? Check the target age group for the app or tool, as something created for adults may not be suitable for children or teenagers.

Is there any evidence that it works? Trustworthy tools typically detail their testing or evaluation methods, such as clinical studies. Exercise caution with apps and websites that make substantial claims without providing transparent supporting information.

What happens to your data? Online mental health tools often gather highly sensitive personal data. The tool should clearly explain where and how this information is stored.

Is it regulated as a medical device? Some digital mental health tools are classified as medical devices, such as those that claim to diagnose, treat, or manage a mental health condition. Others are not designed as medical devices but are instead categorised as well-being or lifestyle products.

For emotional support, call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline at 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person, or go to the Samaritans website.

You can also can speak with a trained advisor from Mind mental health charity on 0300 123 3393 or through email at info@mind.org.uk.