Private GP for Anxiety, Stress, and Mental Health: Same-Day Support When the NHS Can't See You
Last updated: March 2026
The Online GP by The Wellness
Mental health conditions are the leading cause of long-term sickness absence in the UK, affecting one in four adults in any given year according to the charity Mind. NHS waiting lists for mental health support have never been longer, with NHS Talking Therapies reporting average waits of 16 to 18 weeks in many areas and specialist psychiatric assessments taking six to twelve months.
The Online GP by The Wellness provides same-day, confidential GP consultations for mental health concerns. Telephone consultations start from £49. Video consultations start from £150. Our GMC-registered doctors can assess your condition, prescribe medication if clinically appropriate, issue fit notes if clinically justified, write medical letters, and refer you to private psychiatrists and therapists. All clinical decisions, including whether to prescribe or issue a fit note, are made at the sole discretion of the assessing doctor. All cases are accepted at the complete discretion of the clinic.
WhatsApp us now for a confidential, same-day mental health consultation | Call 020 3951 3428 | Email team@thewellnesslondon.com
What can a private GP do for anxiety, stress, and depression?
A GP is the first point of contact for most mental health concerns in the UK. GPs are trained to assess mental health conditions, initiate treatment, and coordinate onward care. A private GP provides the same clinical service as an NHS GP, but without the weeks-long wait for an appointment.
Assessment and diagnosis. Our doctors take time to understand what you are experiencing, including not just your symptoms but the context of your work, relationships, physical health, and circumstances. Mental health is rarely one-dimensional, and a thorough assessment is the foundation of effective support. Consultations are not rushed. Standard consultations allow 15 minutes, and extended 30-minute consultations are available for complex situations.
Medication. If clinically appropriate, our doctors can prescribe antidepressants (such as SSRIs including sertraline, fluoxetine, and citalopram), anti-anxiety medication, beta-blockers for the physical symptoms of anxiety, sleep aids for short-term use, and other treatments. For patients already on medication who cannot get an NHS repeat prescription quickly, we can provide continuity prescriptions to avoid dangerous gaps in treatment. All prescribing decisions are made at the sole discretion of the doctor, in line with NICE guidelines and the BNF.
Fit notes for mental health. Anxiety, depression, stress, and burnout are valid medical reasons for time off work. According to the Health and Safety Executive, stress, depression, and anxiety accounted for approximately 49% of all work-related ill health cases in the UK in 2022/23, resulting in 17.1 million working days lost. If a doctor assesses that your mental health condition affects your fitness for work, a fit note may be issued. Video consultations for fit note assessments start from £150. Telephone consultations from £49 may be appropriate for shorter-duration matters of less than one week. A fit note is never guaranteed and is always issued at the sole clinical discretion of the doctor. The fit note can recommend reasonable adjustments such as reduced hours, amended duties, or a phased return.
Referrals. If you need specialist care, we can refer you directly to private psychiatrists, psychologists, or therapists, bypassing NHS waiting lists. We maintain relationships with leading London mental health specialists and can usually arrange an appointment within days.
Medical letters. If you need documentation for your employer, university, insurance company, or any other body about a mental health condition, we provide clear, professional medical letters. Letters are issued following a consultation and at the discretion of the doctor.
Ongoing support. Mental health is not a one-appointment issue. We provide follow-up consultations to monitor progress, adjust medication if needed, and ensure treatment is effective.
Struggling with anxiety or depression? WhatsApp us for a same-day consultation. Confidential and non-judgmental.
Can I get a sick note for anxiety, depression, or stress?
Yes. Mental health conditions are valid reasons for a fit note under UK law. The Social Security (Medical Evidence) Regulations 2022 do not distinguish between physical and mental health conditions. If a GMC-registered doctor assesses that your mental health condition affects your fitness for work, a fit note may be issued.
Common mental health reasons for a fit note include generalised anxiety disorder, depression, work-related stress and burnout, panic disorder, adjustment disorders following major life events, and post-traumatic stress. The doctor will assess how the condition specifically affects your ability to perform your work duties and will document this on the fit note in terms you are comfortable sharing with your employer.
Video consultations for fit note assessments start from £150. A fit note is never guaranteed. It is a clinical decision based on the doctor's assessment of your condition.
Need a mental health sick note today? WhatsApp us.
The NHS mental health waiting list crisis in 2026
The scale of NHS mental health waiting times in 2026 is significant. Over 2 million people in England are estimated to be waiting for NHS mental health treatment. NHS Talking Therapies services report average waits of 16 to 18 weeks for a first appointment, with some regions significantly longer. Specialist psychiatric assessments can take 6 to 12 months through the NHS. Child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) waiting lists exceed 12 months in many areas.
The causes are well-documented. Mental health services receive approximately 10% of the NHS budget despite accounting for 28% of the disease burden, according to the Royal College of Psychiatrists. Workforce shortages, rising demand driven by the cost-of-living crisis, post-pandemic aftereffects, and workplace burnout have compounded the situation.
For someone experiencing anxiety or depression now, these are not abstract policy issues. They mean months of worsening symptoms, deteriorating work performance, strained relationships, and escalating distress while waiting for an appointment that may be months away.
A private GP consultation does not replace long-term specialist care. But it provides an immediate first step: assessment, treatment initiation, and a plan, delivered the same day.
What mental health conditions can a private GP help with?
Our doctors provide confidential support for a wide range of mental health concerns.
Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD). Persistent worry, restlessness, difficulty concentrating, muscle tension, and fatigue. According to NICE, GAD affects approximately 5% of the UK population. Our doctors assess severity using validated tools (GAD-7) and recommend appropriate treatment.
Depression. Low mood, loss of interest, changes in appetite or sleep, difficulty concentrating, and feelings of worthlessness. Early intervention makes a significant difference to outcomes. NICE recommends that GPs are the first point of assessment for depression.
Work-related stress and burnout. The ONS consistently reports stress, depression, and anxiety as the leading cause of long-term sickness absence. If your work is making you ill, our doctors can assess the situation, provide a fit note if clinically appropriate, and help you access support.
Panic attacks and panic disorder. Sudden, intense episodes of fear with physical symptoms including chest tightness, shortness of breath, dizziness, and pounding heart. Our doctors can help distinguish panic from cardiac symptoms and provide effective treatment.
Adjustment disorders. Difficulty coping after a major life change such as bereavement, divorce, job loss, relocation, or financial stress.
Post-traumatic stress. Following a traumatic event, difficulties including flashbacks, hypervigilance, and emotional numbness. Our doctors can assess needs and arrange appropriate specialist support including referral for trauma-focused CBT or EMDR.
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Low mood and energy during autumn and winter months. Particularly common in the UK given limited winter daylight.
Insomnia and sleep disturbance. Poor sleep is both a symptom and a driver of mental health difficulties. Our doctors can assess sleep problems and recommend evidence-based treatment.
Whatever you are experiencing, WhatsApp us for a confidential appointment.
How much does a private mental health GP consultation cost?
Telephone consultation from £49. Suitable for initial assessment, follow-up reviews, medication reviews, and straightforward matters.
Video consultation from £150. Recommended for more detailed assessments, new patients, and situations where a fit note may be required.
Extended consultation (30 minutes) from £195. Recommended for complex mental health situations, multiple concerns, or patients who need more time.
Medical letters for employers, universities, or insurers from £75 in addition to the consultation fee where a separate letter is required.
Private psychiatrist referral. We can refer you directly to private psychiatrists, typically with appointments available within days rather than months.
The clinic reserves complete discretion over whether a case is accepted and the final charge. All prescribing, fit note, and medical letter decisions are at the sole clinical discretion of the doctor.
Multilingual and culturally sensitive mental health care
Discussing mental health is difficult enough without language barriers or cultural concerns. The Online GP's doctors consult in English, Arabic, Spanish, French, and Dutch.
For patients from communities where mental health carries stigma, our doctors are sensitive to concerns around confidentiality, family, and community expectations. All consultations are private. We never share information without your explicit consent, including with family members, employers, or your NHS GP. Your data is handled in accordance with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.
We understand that for many Arabic-speaking patients and patients from the Middle East, discussing emotional distress with a doctor can feel uncomfortable. Our Arabic-speaking doctors provide a welcoming, non-judgmental environment.
How it works
1. Contact us. WhatsApp, email team@thewellnesslondon.com, or call 020 3951 3428. You do not need to explain everything in your message. Just let us know you would like a mental health consultation and we will arrange it.
2. Choose your format. Telephone consultation from £49 or video consultation from £150. Extended 30-minute consultations from £195 for complex situations. Same-day appointments are typically available seven days a week.
3. See your doctor. A GMC-registered doctor will listen, assess, and provide an immediate plan. This may include medication, a fit note (if clinically justified), a specialist referral, evidence-based lifestyle recommendations, or a combination.
4. Follow-up. We recommend a follow-up consultation within two to four weeks to check progress. Medication reviews are essential to ensure treatment is effective and to adjust if needed.
Book your consultation now via WhatsApp.
Important information
All clinical decisions are at the sole discretion of the doctor. This includes whether to prescribe medication, issue a fit note, or provide a medical letter. No outcome is guaranteed before the consultation.
Acceptance of cases is at the complete discretion of the clinic. The Online GP reserves the right to decline any case if it is not considered appropriate for remote assessment.
Final charges are determined by the clinic. Starting prices are published above, but the final fee may vary with clinical complexity.
All doctors are GMC-registered. The Online GP operates as part of The Wellness, a private medical clinic at 10 Portman Square, Marylebone, London. The service adheres to CQC standards and GMC Good Medical Practice guidelines.
If you are in crisis. If you are experiencing a medical emergency or having thoughts of self-harm, please call 999 or go to your nearest A&E. You can also contact the Samaritans free on 116 123, 24 hours a day, or text SHOUT to 85258 for the Crisis Text Line. Support is available and you do not have to face this alone.
Frequently asked questions about private mental health GP consultations
Can a GP diagnose anxiety or depression? Yes. GPs are the primary point of assessment for anxiety and depression in the UK, as recommended by NICE guidelines. GPs use validated assessment tools (PHQ-9 for depression, GAD-7 for anxiety) and can initiate first-line treatment.
Can a GP prescribe antidepressants? Yes. GPs can prescribe the full range of first-line antidepressants including SSRIs and SNRIs, in accordance with NICE guidelines and the BNF. All prescribing is at the sole discretion of the doctor.
Can I get a sick note for mental health? Yes. Mental health conditions are valid reasons for a fit note. Video consultations for fit note assessments start from £150. A fit note is never guaranteed and is always at the doctor's clinical discretion.
Is a private mental health consultation confidential? Yes. We do not share information with anyone, including your NHS GP, employer, or family members, without your explicit written consent.
Do I need a referral to see a private psychiatrist? Not always, but a GP referral letter helps the psychiatrist prepare for your first appointment and is required by some practitioners. We provide same-day referral letters.
The Online GP by The Wellness 10 Portman Square, Marylebone, London Phone: 020 3951 3428 WhatsApp to book | Book online: thewellness.co.uk
Telephone consultations from £49. Video consultations from £150. All clinical decisions at the sole discretion of the assessing doctor. No outcome guaranteed. All cases accepted at the discretion of the clinic. Final charges determined by clinical complexity.
