Practical guide · England

Can I ask to change therapist?

How to raise a poor therapeutic fit, ask what alternatives exist and distinguish an uncomfortable topic from a relationship that is not working.

You can raise that treatment is not working for you

NHS England says mental-health services should regularly check whether support is helping and change things when it is not. That does not guarantee that another therapist is immediately available, but it gives you a reasonable basis for asking for a review.

Explain what is not working

You might mention communication style, pace, feeling unable to speak openly, accessibility needs, boundaries, or that you do not understand the approach. If it feels safe, discussing this with the therapist can itself be useful.

Ask about the realistic options

Ask whether the approach can be adjusted, whether another clinician or therapy is available, whether changing would affect your wait, and who you can speak to if you do not feel able to raise it directly with the therapist.

If the concern is about safety or conduct

You do not have to treat a serious professional-boundary or safeguarding concern as a simple personality mismatch. Ask the service for its complaints or safeguarding route.

Make the appointment easier to use

Put the things you do not want to forget into one private note before you go.

Open appointment prep →

Trusted source

NHS / NHS England guidance ↗

General information, not a diagnosis or personal treatment plan. Exact pathways and options vary. Reviewed 8 September 2026.