Yes! You can book counselling without a GP referral with Strive yourself; you do not need your GP to refer you. If you live in England, you can also self-refer to NHS Talking Therapies for anxiety and depression if you meet its eligibility rules. You can explore both routes before deciding which suits you.
How do I start counselling with Strive without a GP referral?
Book a 30-minute online assessment. A qualified counsellor will listen to what has been happening, ask about what you need and discuss whether our online service is suitable. The assessment costs £25 and does not oblige you to continue. If Strive can offer an appropriate match and you want to go ahead, we explain how to book ongoing sessions.
You do not need a diagnosis, a letter from a GP or certainty about the type of therapy you want. You can start by describing the changes you have noticed or what has been difficult recently.
Can I refer myself to NHS Talking Therapies without a GP referral?
In England, NHS Talking Therapies for anxiety and depression generally offers a self-referral route for adults, with some areas accepting people aged 16 or 17. Local arrangements and the type of treatment available vary. You can check your local service here: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/mental-health-services/find-nhs-talking-therapies-for-anxiety-and-depression/
A GP can still help you think about your mental and physical health, medication or other services. Seeking private counselling does not prevent you from speaking to your GP.
What happens in Strive’s assessment?
We ask about your wellbeing, safety, what support you already have, what you would like from counselling and when you could attend weekly. The aim is to consider an appropriate match with Core or Pro, or to identify when a different service would better support you. You can ask questions throughout.
What if I need help urgently?
Strive is not an emergency or crisis service. If you need urgent mental health help, contact NHS 111 and choose the mental health option where available. If someone is in immediate danger, call 999 or go to A&E.
A first conversation, without a referral
If private online counselling feels like an option for you, the next step is simply to book an assessment. You can discuss costs, your preferences and whether the service suits you before deciding about ongoing sessions.
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