Mental Health Support from Private GPs: Accessible Care When You Need It

Mental health shouldn't be sidelined by NHS waiting lists stretching months ahead. When anxiety, depression, or stress impacts your daily life, waiting weeks for NHS appointments isn't acceptable. Private GP mental health consultations provide immediate access to qualified medical professionals who can assess, support, and treat mental health concerns promptly.

Why Choose Private GP Mental Health Support?

Immediate Access

NHS mental health waiting times average 8-12 weeks for initial assessment, with specialist treatment often delayed further. Private GPs offer same-day consultations when mental health concerns are urgent.

Confidential Environment

Discussing mental health feels more comfortable in private consultations. Extended appointment times (30 minutes standard) allow thorough discussion without rushed NHS time constraints.

Holistic Assessment

Private GPs assess mental and physical health together, recognizing how they interconnect. Sleep issues, fatigue, and concentration problems receive comprehensive evaluation.

Medication Management

Private GPs can prescribe antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, and other treatments immediately after assessment, eliminating prescription delays that could worsen symptoms.

What Mental Health Concerns Can Private GPs Treat?

Anxiety and Panic Disorders

Generalized anxiety, social anxiety, panic attacks, and phobias can be assessed and treated through private consultations, with medication prescribed where appropriate.

Depression

Private GPs diagnose and treat depressive episodes, prescribe antidepressants, and provide ongoing monitoring and support throughout recovery.

Stress Management

Work stress, life transitions, and chronic stress receive professional medical assessment with practical strategies and medical intervention when needed.

Insomnia and Sleep Problems

Sleep disruption often connects to underlying mental health issues. GPs assess root causes and prescribe treatments targeting specific sleep problems.

Burnout and Work-Related Mental Health

Private consultations accommodate busy schedules, with evening and weekend appointments available for professionals managing work-related stress or burnout.

ADHD Assessment and Management

While specialist diagnosis requires psychiatric referral, GPs can provide initial assessment and referral pathways, significantly faster than NHS routes.

How Do Private GP Mental Health Consultations Work?

1. Book Your Consultation

WhatsApp us to arrange same-day or future appointments. Choose telephone (£49) or video consultation (£150) based on your preference.

2. Initial Assessment

Your GP conducts a structured mental health assessment, exploring symptoms, duration, triggers, and impact on daily functioning.

3. Diagnosis and Treatment Plan

Based on assessment findings, your GP explains diagnosis (if applicable) and recommends treatment options.

4. Medication Prescribing

If medication is appropriate, prescriptions are issued immediately and sent electronically to your pharmacy.

5. Ongoing Support

Follow-up consultations monitor treatment response, adjust medications if needed, and provide continued support throughout recovery.

6. Specialist Referrals

When specialist input is necessary, private GPs facilitate rapid referrals to psychiatrists, psychologists, or counselors.

What Medications Can Private GPs Prescribe for Mental Health?

Antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs)

Commonly prescribed for depression and anxiety, with regular monitoring to assess effectiveness and side effects.

Anti-Anxiety Medications

Short-term anxiolytic medications for acute anxiety, plus longer-term treatments for chronic anxiety disorders.

Sleep Medications

When insomnia significantly impacts mental health, short-term sleep aids combined with sleep hygiene recommendations.

ADHD Medications

Once specialist diagnosis is confirmed, GPs can manage ongoing ADHD medication prescriptions.

How Much Do Private Mental Health Consultations Cost?

Initial Consultations:

• Telephone: £49

• Video: £150

Follow-Up Consultations (typically 15-20 minutes):

• Telephone: £49

• Video: £100

Prescription Costs:

Mental health medications typically range £15-£40 per month when purchased privately.

Compared to the cost of prolonged suffering, time off work, or deteriorating mental health while waiting for NHS appointments, private consultations offer significant value.

Private GP vs NHS Mental Health Services

NHS Mental Health Services:

• Free at point of use

• 8-12 week waiting times for initial assessment

• Further delays for specialist treatment

• Talking therapies (CBT) available but heavily oversubscribed

• Crisis services available for severe cases

Private GP Mental Health Support:

• Same-day consultations available

• Immediate medication access

• Extended appointment times

• Flexible scheduling (evenings, weekends)

• Rapid specialist referrals if needed

Do You Need Specialist Therapy or a GP Consultation?

GP Consultations Are Ideal For:

• Initial mental health assessment and diagnosis

• Medication prescribing and management

• Mild to moderate anxiety and depression

• Stress management and burnout

• Prescription renewals for ongoing mental health conditions

• Referrals to specialists

Specialist Therapy Is Better For:

• Complex trauma or PTSD

• Severe or treatment-resistant depression

• Personality disorders

• Specialist CBT, DBT, or EMDR therapy

• Long-term psychodynamic therapy

Many patients benefit from both: GP medication management combined with private therapy. Your GP can recommend appropriate therapists and coordinate care.

Can Private GP Mental Health Care Replace NHS Services?

Private GPs complement NHS services rather than replacing them. Many patients use both strategically:

• Private GPs for immediate access and medication management

• NHS services for long-term specialist care once waiting times pass

• Private therapy alongside private or NHS GP support

Your private GP can liaise with NHS services (with your consent) to ensure continuity of care.

When Should You Seek Urgent Mental Health Help?

Private GPs handle non-crisis mental health concerns. If you're experiencing:

• Suicidal thoughts or self-harm urges

• Severe psychotic symptoms

• Mental health crisis requiring immediate intervention

Contact NHS crisis services:

• Call 999 (emergencies)

• Call 111 (urgent mental health support)

• Visit A&E mental health crisis team

• Call Samaritans: 116 123 (24-hour support)

Private GPs are ideal for prompt, non-crisis mental health assessment and ongoing management.

Ready to Access Mental Health Support?

Your mental health deserves the same urgency as physical health. Don't let NHS waiting lists delay treatment when prompt medical support could prevent worsening symptoms.

WhatsApp us today to book your mental health consultation. Same-day appointments available, with prescriptions issued immediately if appropriate.