Good to Talk · Getting proper help · Free. Always.
Is therapy confidential?
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.
Confidentiality is a core part of therapy but is not always absolute.
What you need to know
Confidentiality is a core part of therapy but is not always absolute. Your therapist or service should explain records, information sharing and circumstances where information may need to be shared, such as serious safety or safeguarding concerns. Ask about the exact policy of your service.
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.