Mental health south west Essex services provide support, treatment and advice for residents experiencing emotional or psychological difficulties. Whether you need early help, structured therapy or ongoing wellbeing support, local services can guide you to appropriate care. Support is available for both mild concerns and more complex mental health needs.
For general information about adult mental health services across Essex, visit the main Adult Mental Health page. However, the information below focuses specifically on services available in south east Essex.
Mental health support available in south west Essex
Residents can access a wide range of NHS and community-based services. Some services provide clinical treatment, while others focus on wellbeing, recovery and prevention.
Support available includes:
- NHS talking therapies
- Recovery and self-management courses
- Community wellbeing and social prescribing support
- Group-based wellbeing programmes
- Telephone support for depression
- Digital wellbeing tools
In many cases, you can refer yourself directly. However, certain services require referral from a GP or another healthcare professional. Therefore, access routes and eligibility depend on the type of support you need.
Local mental health services in south west Essex
Several NHS organisations and community providers deliver mental health south east Essex services. Together, they aim to provide coordinated and accessible support.
Available services include:
- NHS talking therapies in south east Essex
- Mid and South Essex Recovery College
- Healthy Mind Community Connectors
- Healthy Mind Hubs
- Depression wellbeing calls
- Trust Links wellbeing app
Each service offers different types of help. For example, some focus on structured therapy, while others promote recovery skills and community connection. As a result, you may use more than one service depending on your needs.
What this service offers
You can access:
- Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
- Counselling
- Guided self-help programmes
- Online, telephone or face-to-face sessions
Support is tailored to your needs and preferences. In addition, clinicians work with you to agree the most suitable approach.
Who can use this service?
- Adults aged 18 and over
- Some young people aged 16+ who are already supported by specialist services as part of a care plan
How to access
You can self-refer or ask a professional to refer you.
For residents living in Basildon or Brentwood you can access via Vita Health Group. Call 01268 877 171 or refer yourself via the online referral on the Vita Health website.
For residents living in Thurrock, you can access via Inclusion Thurrock. Call 01375 898680 or email [email protected].
What happens after referral?
After you contact the service:
- Staff explain expected waiting times
- An assessment is arranged
- Your needs are reviewed
- A suitable therapy is recommended
The Recovery College offers free courses and workshops to help people learn skills, bThe Recovery College provides free courses and workshops designed to help people build confidence, develop skills and manage their mental health more effectively.
What this service offers
- Educational courses on wellbeing and recovery
- Self-management skills
- Peer-led learning
- Group sessions across south east Essex
Courses are co-designed by people with lived experience and trained professionals. As a result, they reflect practical recovery approaches.
This service is delivered by Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust in partnership with Provide Community and Trust Links.
Community Connectors offer personalised, short-term support to help residents access local services and activities.
What this service offers
- One-to-one wellbeing support
- Social prescribing
- Help accessing community groups
- Peer support
- Wellbeing planning
This support helps you build confidence and connect with local resources.
Who can access this service?
All residents in south east Essex.
How to access
Referral is required from:
- GP
- Practice nurse
- Mental health worker
- Other healthcare professional
Self-referral is not available.
Thurrock and Brentwood Mind deliver this service
Learn more about Healthy Mind Community Connectors
Healthy Mind Hubs run six-week wellbeing programmes using creative, therapeutic and physical activities.
What this service offers
- Group workshops
- Peer support
- Activities based on the Five Ways to Wellbeing
- Creative and physical sessions
- Confidence-building activities
These programmes focus on holistic wellbeing rather than clinical treatment.
How to access
You can self-refer or be referred by a professional such as a GP, nurse or social worker.
Trust Links provides this service.
TThis short-term service supports people newly diagnosed with depression.
What this service offers
- Four to six weeks of regular calls
- Emotional reassurance
- Goal-setting support
- Signposting to local services
Support complements medical treatment or talking therapies where appropriate.
How to access
Referral is required from:
- Provider
- GP
- Another healthcare professional
Thurrock and Brentwood Mind deliver this service.
TThe Trust Links Wellbeing App is a free digital tool designed to support emotional wellbeing.
What the app offers
- Daily wellbeing check-ins
- Journaling tools
- Self-help resources
- Progress tracking
- Optional service support
You can use the app independently or alongside local services.
What do to if you need urgent mental health support
If you or someone else is in danger, call 999 or go to A&E now
If you need urgent help for your mental health, get help from NHS 111 online or call 111
Your mental health is as important as your physical health. You will not be wasting anyone’s time.
Mental health FAQs for south west Essex residents
Mental health needs can change over time. Therefore, it is helpful to understand how services work and what to do if your situation changes.