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Adult mental health 

NHS adult mental health services in Essex provide support for common mental health problems, long-term conditions, severe mental illness, perinatal mental health needs and mental health crises. This page explains how to access help, what support is available, and where to go if you need urgent care.

Support, treatment and crisis care in Essex

What mental health support is available?

Adults across Essex can access a wide range of NHS mental health services, including:

  • Support for anxiety, depression, and stress
  • Talking therapies
  • Community mental health services
  • Care for people with severe mental illness (SMI)
  • Perinatal mental health support
  • Crisis and suicide prevention services

You can access support through your GP, self-referral services, or urgent care routes.

Crisis support and suicide prevention

If you need urgent help

If you are in mental distress and need immediate support:

  • Call NHS 111 and select the mental health option
  • Call 999 in an emergency

You will be directed to local crisis services.

You do not need to be referred by your GP in a crisis.

Getting help from your GP

Your GP practice is usually the first point of contact for non-urgent mental health concerns.

Your GP team can:

  • Discuss how you are feeling
  • Offer self-help and lifestyle advice
  • Prescribe medication where appropriate
  • Refer you to talking therapies or specialist services
  • Arrange physical health checks
  • Support ongoing care plans

If you feel ready, contact your GP practice to book an appointment.

Talking therapies and community mental health services

NHS talking therapies

Talking therapies can help with:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Stress
  • Phobias
  • Mental health difficulties linked to long-term conditions

You can usually self-refer to NHS talking therapy services without seeing a GP first.

Services, eligibility, and referral routes vary by area. Visit the Your area section of this website to find details of the talking therapy service available where you live.

Community mental health teams

Community teams support adults with more complex or ongoing mental health needs.

Support may include:

  • Psychological therapies
  • Medicines management
  • Social care support
  • Crisis and relapse planning
  • Support with daily living

Service models and access arrangements differ across Essex. Visit the Your area section to find out what community mental health support is available in your local area.

Severe mental illness (SMI) physical health checks

If you live with a severe mental illness, you are entitled to a free annual physical health check.

These checks help identify risks such as:

  • Diabetes
  • Heart disease
  • High blood pressure
  • Weight changes
  • Smoking-related illness

If you have not been invited to have a health check, contact your GP practice.

Perinatal mental health support

Mental health problems can occur during pregnancy and up to one year after birth.

Specialist perinatal services can support people experiencing:

  • Anxiety or depression
  • Birth trauma
  • Obsessive or intrusive thoughts
  • Postpartum psychosis

If you are pregnant or have recently given birth, speak to your:

  • Midwife
  • Health visitor
  • GP

They can refer you to specialist support.

Bereavement and suicide bereavement support

Bereavement support, including support after suicide, is available through local and national services.

You can find local support through:

  • Essex Frontline – directory of wellbeing, crisis, and bereavement services

Local bereavement services and referral routes vary by location. Use the Your area section to see what support is available where you live.

Your GP can also help you access counselling and emotional support.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Not always. You can self-refer to NHS talking therapies. Other services may require a GP or professional referral.

Waiting times vary depending on the service and urgency.

Urgent needs are prioritised and your provider will explain expected timescales.

Yes. Your information is handled confidentially in line with NHS data protection rules.

It is only shared where legally required or to keep you safe.

Yes. Many services offer flexible appointments, including telephone or online sessions.

You can discuss this with the provider or GP and request a review of your care.

Yes. If you are worried about someone, contact their GP, NHS 111, or emergency services if needed.

You can also seek advice for yourself as a carer or family member.

Usually, you only need to contact one service at a time.

If you self-refer to talking therapies and also contact your GP, the services will coordinate your care where appropriate.

If you are unsure, NHS 111 can advise you on the best route.

If your symptoms get worse while you are waiting:

  • Contact the service you are waiting for
  • Speak to your GP
  • Call NHS 111 (mental health option) if you need urgent advice

Do not wait if you feel unsafe.

Yes. Many people receive support through talking therapies, self-help, and community services without using medication.

Medication is offered only when appropriate and discussed with you first.

Your information is confidential.

It is not shared with employers, colleges, or universities without your consent, except where required to keep you safe.

Can I choose a male or female therapist?

You can ask for:

  • An interpreter
  • Information in another language
  • Additional communication support

Services will try to make reasonable adjustments.

Yes. NHS mental health services are free at the point of use, regardless of your employment or financial situation.

Your first appointment usually involves:

  • Talking about how you are feeling
  • Discussing your symptoms and goals
  • Agreeing next steps and support options
  • Creating a care plan if needed

You can bring notes or questions if that helps.

Yes. You can usually bring a family member, friend, or carer for support.

Tell the service in advance if possible.

In most cases, your GP is informed so they can support your overall care.

You can discuss what information is shared if you have concerns.

Yes. If you move, you may need to register with local services in your new area.

Your current provider can help with the transfer.