Find the right kind of help
You don’t need to work out whether dopamine is involved before asking for help. This page explains who does what, so you can choose the right starting point.
- I just want to understand what I’m experiencingTalk it through
- I’d like to talk to someoneWho should I see?
- I’m worried about someone elseSupport routes
- I need urgent helpUrgent support — in an emergency call 999
Who does what
GP
Your GP is usually the best first step. They can talk through what’s happening, check for physical causes (for example thyroid problems, anaemia or medication side effects), offer or refer you to treatment, and refer you to specialist services. You don’t need to know what’s wrong before booking.
NHS Talking Therapies (England)
Free NHS psychological therapy for common problems such as anxiety and depression. In most areas you can refer yourself without seeing a GP first.
Clinical psychologist
Assesses and treats psychological difficulties using talking therapies, from everyday problems to complex conditions. “Clinical psychologist” is a protected title in the UK: they must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). They do not prescribe medication.
Counselling psychologist
Also HCPC-registered, with a protected title. Uses psychological therapy with a strong focus on the relationship between therapist and client; works with a wide range of problems.
Psychiatrist
A medical doctor who specialises in mental health, registered with the General Medical Council (GMC). Psychiatrists can diagnose conditions and prescribe and review medication. On the NHS you usually see one after a GP referral.
Counsellor or psychotherapist
Offers talking therapy to help you work through difficulties. These titles are not protected by law in the UK, so choose someone on a register accredited by the Professional Standards Authority — for example BACP, UKCP or NCPS.
ADHD services
Adult ADHD assessments are carried out by specialist services, usually after a GP referral. In England you may be able to choose which NHS-funded provider assesses you — ask your GP.
Drug, alcohol and gambling services
Local drug and alcohol services often accept self-referrals. Specialist NHS gambling clinics and the National Gambling Helpline support people affected by gambling.
Sleep services
Start with a GP. For long-term insomnia, the recommended first treatment is a talking therapy called CBT for insomnia (CBT-I), rather than sleeping pills. Specialist sleep clinics see people after referral.
Eating-disorder services
If you’re worried about eating, see a GP, who can refer you to specialist services. Beat offers support and information.
Relationship and sexual health services
Relationship counselling (for example Relate) can be booked directly. NHS sexual health clinics offer free, confidential advice and testing.
Charities and helplines
Charities offer information, listening services and peer support. They are not a substitute for medical care, but they can help you work out next steps.
Helplines and charities
- Mind Infoline0300 123 3393 CallInformation about mental health problems and where to get help · 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday (not bank holidays)Source: www.mind.org.uk
- FRANK0300 123 6600 CallHonest information and advice about drugs · 24 hours a daySource: www.talktofrank.com
- National Gambling Helpline (GamCare)0808 8020 133 CallAnyone affected by gambling, including family and friends · 24 hours, 7 days a weekSource: www.gamcare.org.uk
- Beat eating disorders helplineEngland 0808 801 0677 · Scotland 0808 801 0432 · Wales 0808 801 0433 · Northern Ireland 0808 801 0434 CallAnyone affected by an eating disorder · 3pm to 8pm, Monday to FridaySource: www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk
- Drinkline0300 123 1110 CallAnyone worried about their own or someone else’s drinking · Weekdays 9am to 8pm, weekends 11am to 4pmSource: www.nhs.uk
- Relaterelate.org.uk WebsiteRelationship counselling; book directly, no GP referral needed · By appointmentSource: www.relate.org.uk
- Childline0800 1111 CallChildren and young people under 19 · See websiteSource: www.nhs.uk
Every contact on this page is kept in a controlled list and was last checked against each organisation’s own website on 26 September 2026. We never publish a phone number that has not been checked this way. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
How this directory works
We route; we don’t treat. This directory lists public services and registered professions. We accept no payment for placement. If we ever carry sponsored listings, they will be clearly labelled “Sponsored”, kept separate, and will never change what we recommend. See our advertising policy.