GPs help provide access to most mental health services irrespective of how severe a person’s problem. Therefore, when help is needed the first step is to contact the GP surgery to see either a doctor or a member of the Primary Care Mental Health Team based in the GP’s surgery. Here the person you see will discuss how you are feeling and why you need help and will work through the options available to you.

This might be short-term counselling, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), medication or a self-help programme. They might also give you information about your condition so you have a better understanding about why you are feeling as you are. Often people with mental health difficulties need help with other aspects of their lives such as benefits, help around employment and work or loneliness so the worker may suggest other services to approach. Some people have a specific issue such as an eating disorder, domestic abuse or alcohol misuse and there are specialist agencies which can also help.

How to register with a GP

Everyone permanently living in Britain has a right to be registered and receive services from a GP. To register with a GP, you can visit your local GP surgery and request to register with them. They may ask you for your medical card details. If you do not have a medical card, you may be able to get one by completing form GMS1, which should be available at the surgery.

Once you have been accepted as a patient, your medical records will be transferred to the new surgery. There are a number of reasons why you may not be able to register with your chosen GP. For example, the practice may be full, or you may live too far away. If this is the case, simply choose another GP in your local area.

If you have difficulty registering with a GP, contact your local Primary Care Trust (PCT).

You can also visit the

Sheffield City GP Health Centre
Rockingham House
Broad Lane
Sheffield, S1 3PB

Tel: 0114 241 2700
Open 8.00am - 8.00pm, seven days a week 365 days a year

Healthcare is available to any Sheffield resident and here you can

• Register with the GP practice as a patient
• Walk-in as an unregistered patient and see a GP or a nurse without an appointment
• Make an appointment with a GP or a nurse as an unregistered patient

Improving access to psychological therapies (IAPT)

The IAPT service aims to increase the numbers of people with common mental health problems like low mood, anxiety, worry and depression who can receive psychological therapies in primary care settings. Over the next three years two types of new workers will be trained to provide this help. The first will be workers who can support people through guided self-help programmes and signpost people to groups and services that may be of help in managing their difficulties. The second are CBT therapists who will be trained to work in primary care settings with people with anxiety and depression. The interventions offered by both groups are in accordance with the NICE guidance on anxiety and depression. 

As the IAPT project develops in the city these two types of workers will also be available through some voluntary sector services and through links with employment services. It is envisaged that people will be able to refer themselves into IAPT services.