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You don't need to spend hundreds on private therapy to get effective mental health support. The UK has an extensive network of free and low-cost services — from NHS talking therapies to charity helplines and free apps. Here's your complete guide.
Free NHS Mental Health Services
- NHS Talking Therapies (IAPT): Free CBT, counselling, and other talking therapies. Self-refer via nhs.uk — no GP needed
- NHS SilverCloud: Free online CBT programs for anxiety, depression, and stress — available in most areas
- Crisis teams: 24/7 mental health crisis support through your local NHS trust
- GP support: Free mental health assessments and medication if needed
Free Helplines & Text Services
| Service | Contact | Hours | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samaritans | 116 123 (free) | 24/7 | Emotional distress, suicidal thoughts |
| Crisis Text Line | Text SHOUT to 85258 | 24/7 | Anxiety, depression, any crisis |
| Mind Infoline | 0300 123 3393 | Mon-Fri 9am-6pm | Mental health information |
| CALM | 0800 58 58 58 | 5pm-midnight | Men's mental health |
| Papyrus | 0800 068 4141 | 24/7 | Under 35s, suicidal thoughts |
Free Mental Health Apps
- Wysa: AI chatbot with CBT tools — NHS-endorsed, free tier excellent
- Woebot: Free AI CBT coach — developed at Stanford
- NHS Every Mind Matters: Free personalised action plan
- Daylio: Free mood tracker — understand your patterns
- MindShift CBT: Free anxiety management tools
Low-Cost Therapy Options (£5-25/session)
- Open Path Collective: £30-80 per session (reduced-fee network)
- University training clinics: £5-15/session with supervised trainee therapists
- Charitable counselling: Many charities offer sliding-scale fees based on income
- Employee Assistance Programmes: Check if your employer offers free confidential counselling (most large employers do)
Best Free Strategy: Self-refer to NHS Talking Therapies today (nhs.uk/talk). While waiting, use Wysa (free) for daily CBT exercises. This combination gives you professional + self-help support at zero cost.
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Sento earns a referral if you click through our links — this never affects our recommendations. Prices and details correct at time of publication. Updated February 2026.