Public urged to speak to GP practices about talking therapies in new NHS campaign

NHS England is encouraging those struggling with their mental health to speak to their local GP practice about talking therapies, as part of a new national campaign.

The six-week campaign, which will see adverts across TV, radio, podcasts and social media channels, aims to support those facing common mental health conditions and to highlight the treatment available on the NHS.

It will encourage the public to self-refer online or contact their GP practice to access NHS talking therapies which provide people with ‘practical skills and techniques to overcome a range of mental conditions’.

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NHS statistics reveal that one in five adults, an estimated 9.4 million, are affected by a common mental health condition including anxiety, OCD, social anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), panic disorder, body dysmorphic disorder and phobias.

Talking therapies treatment involves treatment talking to a trained professional in a safe space about thoughts, feelings and behaviours, and can include methods such as CBT, counselling or guided self-help, depending on the mental health condition.

NHS data shows that over 670,000 people were treated with NHS talking therapy care last year – nearly 70,000 more than pre-pandemic which is a 12% increase on 2019.

A record 83,000 also accessed employment support through the service in 2025 to help them return to work, a 20% increase on 2024.

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However, a new NHS survey of over 2,000 adults found that nearly three in five (58%) delay seeking treatment and support as they feel their conditions are ‘not serious enough’, with one in five (21%) not seeking help at all.

Dr Adrian James, NHS England’s national medical director for mental health and neurodiversity said: ‘While it’s encouraging that thousands more people facing mental health conditions are accessing NHS support than before the pandemic, we know that millions more could benefit from vital NHS talking therapies.

‘This landmark new campaign is a critical step to ensuring that everyone struggling with challenging but very common conditions like anxiety and PTSD knows that there is support available to help them get on with their lives again.

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‘Through proven treatment and support available for free on the NHS, these conditions can be overcome to help people return to work, regain confidence or feel back to their old selves in social situations.

‘Our message is clear, if you’re struggling with your mental health, NHS talking therapies are here for you, and you can either self-refer or speak with your local GP practice’.