The common stages
- Referral sent: your GP or another professional sends information to a service.
- Triage: the service reviews the referral and decides the most appropriate next step.
- Assessment: you may be contacted to talk about symptoms, safety, daily life and what support could fit.
- Plan: this might mean treatment, another service, self-help or community support, or further assessment.
What you can check while you wait
- Ask which service received the referral and how they will contact you.
- Ask whether there are separate waits for assessment and treatment.
- Keep your contact details up to date and tell the service if your circumstances change.
If the outcome is not what you expected
- Ask the service to explain a rejection, redirection or discharge and what they recommend next.
- Take that information back to your GP if you still need help.
- Use urgent routes if your situation becomes urgent rather than relying on a routine referral.
Keep it manageable
You do not have to solve the whole waiting period today. Pick the smallest useful next step: save a number, write down a question, send one message or ask someone you trust to sit with you while you call.
Trusted sources and next steps
NHS: how to access mental-health services ↗NHS: talking therapies ↗General UK information, not a diagnosis or personal treatment plan. Services and pathways vary by area and UK nation. Information reviewed 31 August 2026.