Getting adult mental health support in Northamptonshire (self-referral, crisis, community teams)

Step by step

1. In an emergency, get immediate help

   If you or someone else is at immediate risk of harm, call 999 or go to your nearest A&E. If you feel unable to keep yourself safe but it is not immediately life-threatening, call The Mental Health Number on 0800 448 0828 (free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week) or call NHS 111 and choose the mental health option. The Samaritans are also available any time on 116 123 (free).

2. Use the 24/7 Mental Health Number for advice and signposting

   For any mental health worry, day or night, call The Mental Health Number on 0800 448 0828. It is for anyone aged 17 and a half or over in Northamptonshire, whether or not you already get treatment, and you do not need to register. If you find it hard to speak on the phone, text 07480 635531 or use the online chat. NHS staff and Mind support workers will listen and point you to the right help.

3. Drop in to a crisis cafe for face-to-face support

   If you are 18 or over and struggling, you can drop in to a crisis cafe with no appointment. There are cafes in Corby, Daventry, Kettering, Northampton, Rushden and Wellingborough, each staffed by an NHS mental health professional and a Mind support worker. Opening days and times vary, so check the NHFT crisis cafe page or call 0800 448 0828 for the current timetable. If you are under 25, use the Northamptonshire Drop-Ins service instead.

4. Refer yourself for talking therapies (anxiety and depression)

   If you are 17.5 or over, registered with a Northamptonshire GP and experiencing mild to moderate anxiety or depression, you can refer yourself to NHS Northamptonshire Talking Therapies without going through your GP. Complete the online self-referral form on the NHFT Talking Therapies page or call 0300 999 1616 (9am to 5pm, weekdays). The team will contact you for a telephone assessment. Treatments include guided self-help, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), counselling, EMDR and online programmes.

5. Ask your GP about a community mental health team for complex needs

   If your needs are more complex or severe (for example psychosis, bipolar disorder, or depression and anxiety complicated by other factors) and cannot be met by your GP or talking therapies, ask your GP or current mental health service to refer you to a Community Mental Health Team (CMHT). These NHS teams include mental health nurses, psychologists, occupational therapists, pharmacists, peer support workers and employment support workers, and cover Northampton, Corby and Kettering, Wellingborough and East Northants.

6. Find extra support and look after yourself while you wait

   Northamptonshire Mind offers wellbeing and peer support alongside the NHS, and can be reached through the crisis cafes and the mental health number. If you are a carer, NHFT also offers family and carer support. While waiting for an appointment, keep the mental health number saved on your phone, tell someone you trust how you are feeling, and use the crisis cafes or 0800 448 0828 if things get worse.