Through the NHS

You might be able to access CBT on the NHS through:

• Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT). This is an NHS programme which can provide CBT as a treatment for various mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression. However, IAPT is not available in all areas and the waiting lists can be long. You can find out whether IAPT services are available near you through the IAPT website.
• Your GP surgery. Some counsellors and psychologists offer CBT on the NHS at GP surgeries. 
• Your community mental health team (CMHT). Some nurses, doctors, occupational therapists and clinical psychologists working in CMHTs may also provide CBT. 
• Some NHS Trusts  have specialist therapy services. 

 Your GP may be able to give you information about local services. 

I still get anxious but CBT helped me to gain insight and perspective. It was the start of my journey to recovery, though not the only part. I did a 6 week CBT course through IAPT.

Through the private sector

You may want to consider seeing a therapist privately – but be aware that private therapists usually charge for appointments. You can find a private therapist through:

• the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), which is a membership organisation and a registered charity that sets standards for therapeutic practice. The BACP has a 'find a therapist' directory of registered and non-registered therapists. The BACP also has guidance about choosing a therapist.
• the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapists (BABCP), which is is an interest group for people involved in the practice and theory of behavioural and cognitive psychotherapy. The BABCP has a register of accredited CBT therapists. Therapists on the register have specialist skills and knowledge and have undergone relevant training and supervision. 
• The UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP), which is a professional body for the education, training and accreditation of psychotherapists and psychotherapeutic counsellors. UKCP also also has a register of psychotherapists who offer talking treatments privately.

For more information about finding a therapist, see our pages on accessing talking treatments and seeking help through the private sector.

This information was published in February 2015. We will revise it in 2018.