Mental health support
Mental health support in the UK is free for everyone โ refugees and asylum seekers. You can book without a GP referral. Interpreter โ free. In a crisis, call 116 123 (Samaritans, 24/7).
NHS Talking Therapies (formerly IAPT)
No GP referral needed! You refer yourself (self-referral).
What they offer: CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy), counselling, group therapy.
Waiting time: 6-18 weeks. Find your nearest service at nhs.uk.
Crisis โ help 24/7
For survivors of torture and violence
Mental health support for children
Interpreter โ your right
Say when you book: "I need an interpreter for [your language]"
Never use children as interpreters. It harms both you and the child. You will not be able to speak freely, and children should not hear about trauma.
But PTSD, depression, and anxiety are normal reactions to abnormal events. War, torture, fleeing your home, uncertainty โ all of this leaves a mark.
Asking for help is not weakness. It is a sign of strength. You deserve support. Therapy works โ and it is free.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a GP referral?
No! Talking Therapies (formerly IAPT) accept self-referrals. Go to the NHS website and find your nearest service. Fill in the form online. No GP needed.
How long is the waiting time?
Usually 6-18 weeks. If you are in crisis now, call Samaritans 116 123 or text SHOUT to 85258 right now. Do not wait.
Can asylum seekers get mental health support?
Yes! NHS mental health support is free for everyone, including asylum seekers. There are also special organisations: Freedom from Torture, Helen Bamber Foundation.
Will there be an interpreter?
Yes, you have the right to a free interpreter. Tell them when you book. Do not use children as interpreters โ it harms both you and the child.
Will this affect my asylum case?
No, getting mental health support will NOT hurt your case. In fact, medical records of PTSD and trauma can support your asylum claim.
I feel ashamed to see a therapist
That is normal. In many cultures, talking about mental health is not common. But PTSD, depression, and anxiety are normal reactions to abnormal events. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.