When it can’t wait
If you are in crisis
Therapy works slowly, and a crisis doesn’t. This page is here for the moments in between.
I’m a therapist in private practice, not an emergency service. I’m in sessions for much of the day, and I’m not able to respond to messages out of hours.
Everyone listed here is used to hearing from people on their worst day. You don’t need the right words. You don’t need to be sure it counts as a crisis. If it feels like one, that’s enough.
If you have seriously harmed yourself, or you don’t feel you can keep yourself safe right now, call 999 or go straight to A&E. This is what they are there for.
If it’s urgent but not life-threatening, call NHS 111 and select the mental health option. You’ll be put through to a trained mental health professional from your local crisis team, any hour, any day. Your GP is also a good place to turn, and can see you urgently.
Someone to talk to, whatever the hour
Free, confidential, and there through the night.
Samaritans
For anyone who is struggling, whatever the reason. You don’t have to be suicidal to call.
Call 116 123
24 hours · every day
Shout
If talking feels like too much, you can text instead. A trained volunteer will text with you.
Text SHOUT to 85258
24 hours · every day
More particular kinds of support
Sometimes it helps to talk to someone who knows your kind of difficult.
Papyrus HOPELINE247
For anyone under 35 with thoughts of suicide, and for anyone worried about a young person.
Call 0800 068 4141 · text 88247
24 hours · every day
CALM
For anyone affected by suicide or suicidal thoughts. Phone and webchat, so you can choose.
Call 0800 58 58 58 · webchat at thecalmzone.net
5pm to midnight · every day
Anxiety UK
When anxiety or panic has taken over and you want someone who understands it well.
Call 03444 775 774 · text 07537 416 905
Weekdays 9.30am to 5.30pm
Rape Crisis
For anyone affected by sexual violence or abuse, recent or long ago. You can also chat online.
Call 0808 500 2222 · chat at 247sexualabusesupport.org.uk
24 hours · every day
National Domestic Abuse Helpline
If home is the frightening place. Run by Refuge, free and confidential.
Call 0808 2000 247
24 hours · every day
Mind
Not a crisis line, but a calm place for information about what you’re going through and what help exists.
Call 0300 123 3393 · mind.org.uk
Weekdays 9am to 6pm
Reaching out is not too much. It never was.
If you’re a current client, you can always leave me a message and I’ll come back to you when I’m next at my desk. But please don’t wait for me if you need help now.