Missed a mental-health appointment? What to do next

Contact the service as soon as you can

• Use the number, text, email or portal on your appointment message or letter.
• Say that you missed or need to cancel the appointment and that you still want the referral or treatment.
• Ask whether the appointment can be rearranged and whether your referral remains active.
• If you cannot reach the service, tell your GP or original referrer what happened and keep a note of your attempts to contact them.

If the appointment is still in the future

If the appointment is managed through the NHS App or NHS website, you may be able to request a cancellation or change there. Some providers do not share all appointment functions through the app, so use the provider's own contact details if needed.

If you missed it because of your mental health

Tell the service. Problems with anxiety, sleep, memory, executive function, travel, phone calls or leaving home can themselves make attendance difficult. You can also ask whether a different format, communication method or reasonable adjustment is available.

If you are told the referral has been closed

Ask what the local process is for reopening, rebooking or being re-referred. If you still need support, contact your GP or referrer rather than assuming you must manage alone.

Common questions

Will I be removed from a mental-health waiting list if I miss one appointment?

Policies vary by service. Do not assume either way: contact the service promptly and ask whether your referral is still active and how to rebook.

Can I ask for a different appointment format?

It is reasonable to ask what formats and reasonable adjustments the service can offer. Availability varies by service and clinical need.