Mental health waiting list — Samaritans · the UK

Direct answer

A waiting list is not the end of the road. Samaritans — 116 123 / NHS 111 option 2 (116 123) is the mental-health line for the UK: free, anonymous, staffed by trained people, for now, tonight, or whenever it gets heavy. Your NHS — register with a GP / NHS 111 (111) has a duty to arrange timely care in most countries — ask in writing for care mediation, which often finds a place faster. Your family doctor (GP) can refer you to a bridging service, group programme or online therapy in the meantime and adjust medication.

Call firstSamaritans — 116 123 / NHS 111 option 2

Report toNHS — register with a GP / NHS 111

If that failsYour family doctor (GP)

🗣️ What to say

"I have been referred for [treatment] on [date] and the waiting time is [months]. My situation is [getting worse / not stable]. I ask you to arrange an earlier place through care mediation, or a bridging service, and to confirm what you can offer within [weeks]."

🪜 Step by step

Now: Samaritans — 116 123 / NHS 111 option 2Whenever it is too much. Also for someone you are worried about.
Ask for care mediation: NHS — register with a GP / NHS 111The insurer or health service looks for a provider with a shorter list, sometimes further away or online.
Bridging options: Your family doctor (GP)GP-based mental-health workers, group programmes, online therapy, peer support — they exist in most countries and start within weeks.
Stay on the listAnd ask to be called if a place opens early; be reachable.
Crisis planWrite down who you call, what helps, and the emergency numbers. Share it with someone.

📇 All contacts

Samaritans — 116 123 / NHS 111 option 2Free, confidential, 24/7When it gets too much📞 116 123 🔗 www.samaritans.org

NHS — register with a GP / NHS 111GP registration, NHS complaints (PALS)For finding a doctor and care questions📞 111 🔗 www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/gps/how-to-register-with-a-gp-surgery

Your family doctor (GP)First point of contact for any health questionBefore a specialist, for a referral or a sick note

Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO)Independent review of NHS complaints in England (Scotland: SPSO, Wales: PSOW, NI: NIPSO)After the provider's final response📞 0345 015 4033 🔗 www.ombudsman.org.uk

❓ Frequently asked

Is there a legal maximum waiting time?

Many countries set standards (weeks for an intake, months for treatment); a breach is a complaint to NHS — register with a GP / NHS 111 and often a right to care elsewhere at their cost.

Can I go private and get reimbursed?

Sometimes, when the public system cannot deliver within the standard time. Ask NHS — register with a GP / NHS 111 in writing before you start.

I am in crisis now

Call Samaritans — 116 123 / NHS 111 option 2 or 112. Emergency departments and crisis teams see people without any referral.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

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🧠 The waiting list for mental health care is too long — what are my options?