Can I get free therapy as a student?

Looking after your mental health as a student is hugely important. Going to university can be a big change, and comes with new experiences and a whole lot of emotions. Unfortunately, students are not always aware of the resources available to them. Hopefully, our guide will inform you of how to get access to therapy and mental health support as a student.

Can the NHS pay for therapy?

You can get free talking therapies on the NHS, so this is something that can benefit students (as well as non-students). Talking therapies include counselling, which involves a trained therapist listening to you and helping you find ways to deal with emotional issues. You do not need a referral from a GP and you can refer yourself directly to a talking therapies service. You do not need to have a diagnosed mental health problem to refer yourself to an NHS talking therapies service. If your first language is not English, talking therapies can be delivered in your chosen language through multi-lingual therapists or confidential translators. Talking therapies are also available in British Sign Language (BSL) through SignHealth Psychological Therapy Service.  To self-refer for anxiety and depression, you can use NHS psychological therapies services (IAPT). These services are free, and therapies can be delivered effectively remotely online and on the telephone.

What happens when you refer yourself

1. Contact your local NHS talking therapies service.
2. Someone from the service will get in touch, usually within a few weeks.
3. They’ll ask for more details about the problems you’re having. This is known as an assessment.
4. If the service thinks they can help you, they’ll recommend a therapy for you. This is based on your symptoms and how severe they are.
5. Waiting times for the first session vary. The service will tell you what to expect.

As well as this, the NHS urgent mental health helplines are available for people of all ages. You can call for:

• 24-hour advice and support – for you, your friend, your parent or someone you care for
• an assessment to help decide on the best course of care

Calling 111 and selecting the mental health option will tell you the right place to get help, and you may be able to speak  to a trained mental health professional over the phone. You can also access 111 online, where you’ll answer questions about your symptoms and be told what to do next. If you need help in another language call 111 and ask for an interpreter, or if you use British Sign language (BSL) use signvideo.co.uk/nhs111 .

If you have a hearing problem you can call 18001 111 using the Relay UK app or a textphone. This is available 24 hours a day.

You can find a local NHS urgent mental health helpline (England only) here on the nhs.uk website.

How do universities support mental health?

Universities offer dedicated support services to help students struggling with their mental health. This can include counselling, support and wellbeing phonelines, and a student-run Nightline. Make sure to check your university’s website to find out what specific support and resources are available to you. Also, you can share a mental or health condition with your university on your UCAS application. This’ll help you get the information and help you may need while at uni. For guidance on how to do this, visit the UCAS website.

What other support is available?

There are a number of charities and support services dedicated to helping students and young people struggling with their mental health. They include:

• Samaritans – If you need someone to talk to, call 116 123 for free on any phone. Their helpline is open 24/7 and you do not need to have any credit or call allowance on your plan to call. Samaritans provides a listening service that is non-judgemental and won’t tell you what to do. ‘We won’t make decisions for you, and we’ll support the decisions you make. You are the expert on your own life. Our advice or opinions are not important. If you want advice, we may be able to give you contact details for organisations that specialise in helping with specific problems and situations.’ You can also email jo@samaritans.org. (but they may take a few days to reply), write them a letter, or visit your local branch.
• Student Space – Providing support through the uncertainties of student life, this site allows you to search for student support you can access at your university, as well as offering free and confidential webchat and email support from trained volunteers. The webchat is open from 4pm-11pm every day, and their email is students@themix.org.uk

If you need support now, text SHOUT to 85258. It’s free, confidential and anonymous. On their website they also provide tailored support for students who might face additional challenges with mental health at universities, such as students recovering from an addiction or students with eating difficulties.

• Every Mind Matters – This site has a range of support material on mental health, wellbeing and self-care. The website also signposts organisations and networks who provide advice and support for specific groups, to help students connect with other young people and supporters who understand where they are coming from.
• Young Minds – Whether you’re a young person, a parent, or someone who works with young people, you can access resources and support through Young Minds.

Looking after your mental health really is important as a student. We’ve got some more tips on how to look after your wellbeing throughout student life, as well as exploring the root causes of student anxiety to address them more effectively.

Last Updated on August 1, 2024

Published on July 17, 2024

Sofia Lambis

My name is Sofia and I’m in my first year studying English at the University of Bristol. I’m interested in films, writing and finding new places to visit!