Good to Talk · Getting proper help · Free. Always.
What actually happens in counselling?
If you or someone else is in danger, call 999 or go to A&E. If you need urgent mental-health help but it is not an emergency, use NHS 111 online or call 111 and select the mental-health option.
NHS guidance describes counselling as talking with a trained professional who listens without judgement and helps you explore thoughts, feelings and experiences and find your own solutions.
What you need to know
NHS guidance describes counselling as talking with a trained professional who listens without judgement and helps you explore thoughts, feelings and experiences and find your own solutions. Counsellors do not usually simply tell you what to do. Sessions may be in person, online or by phone.
Make it a conversation, not a test
You are allowed to ask questions, explain what matters to you and say when something is not helping. Mental-health care should be based on your needs, circumstances and appropriate clinical assessment.
Keep going
Getting proper help · Talking to your GP · NHS Talking Therapies
Sources & further reading
- NHS — mental health treatments
- NHS — talking therapies
- NHS — antidepressants
- NICE — depression in adults
Educational information only. Treatment should be based on an individual assessment with an appropriate healthcare professional.