GPs help provide access to most mental health services irrespective of the severity of 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 mental health team based there. 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.

These options might include 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 isolation 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. Follow this link for more information.

If you have difficulty registering with a GP, contact NHS Sheffield.

You can also visit the

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

Tel: 0114 241 2700
Open 8.00am - 10.00pm, 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)

IAPT provide psychological treatments, sometimes called talking treatments, to help people who are stressed, low in mood or are feeling anxious.

There are three types of workers:

• Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapist
• Counselling

There is also an employment advice worker available through SOHAS (Sheffield Occupational Health Advisory Service).

IAPT offer services in different ways to suit different people, e.g. online treatments, stress control evening classes, workshops, telephone support, as well as more standard face to face help.

Access is available through all the GPs in Sheffield, a range of voluntary sector organisations and for some you can book yourself in directly, online or by phone.