Mental health services

On this page you’ll find information about mental health services you can self refer to in Suffolk and north east Essex. You can learn more about mental health on the nhs.uk website.

The NHS Constitution gives most people living in England the right to choose where to receive treatment.


Services in Suffolk and north east Essex

About this service

Kooth offers online counselling, peer-to-peer support, self-help materials and moderated forums to those aged 11 – 25 years in east and west Suffolk.

Organisation that provides this service

Kooth

How to access this service

Register for an online account via the Kooth website.


Services in north east Essex

Unsure about where the boundaries we refer to lie? Enter your postcode to check whether you live in Ipswich and east Suffolk, north east Essex or west Suffolk.

About this service

Therapy For You is part of the government initiative, Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) and makes a range of talking therapies available to anyone over the age of 16 who lives in north east Essex and is not currently receiving secondary mental health care or crisis service.

EPUT offers a variety of interventions which include immediate access to online treatments, through to a range of 1-1 treatment interventions with Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners, Counsellors and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) therapists and online 1-1 therapy. This is delivered by live type talk offered through colleagues at IESO Digital Health which can be accessed after assessment or directly via the Therapy For You website.

People accessing the service will generally be requiring support for depression and anxiety related problems which may include, low mood, stress and anxiety, phobias including social phobia, trauma, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), issues of self-esteem, post-natal depression, difficulties with the impact of long-term health conditions.

Organisation that provides this service

Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT)

How to access this service

You can self-refer via the Therapy For You website or by calling the team via the contact details provided.

About this service

The North East Essex Crisis Café provides a safe, welcoming space where people experiencing emotional distress or mental health crisis can receive support outside of normal working hours and is a community-based alternative to crisis mental health services.

Organisation that provides this service

Mid and North Essex Mind

How to access this service

You can self-refer by contacting us on 0300 330 9492.

Referral can also be made by a professional such as a GP, emergency services or NHS 111 (mental health option) by telephone or email.

About this service

Age Well East’s emotional support services provide crucial wellness support for people living through loss, bereavement, mental health struggles and end of life care. Their specialist team are available to guide people through a dementia diagnosis and provide ongoing support to people and their carers through our specialist groups and services.

Organisation that provides this service

Age Well East

How to access this service

Self-refer yourself or someone you know via their online referral form. Alternatively, you can call or email them via the contact details provided on their website.

About this service

The Southend, Essex and Thurrock Children’s and Adolescent’s Mental Health Service (SET CAMHS) provides advice and support to children, young people and families who are in need of support with their emotional wellbeing or mental health difficulties.

The service covers Southend, Essex and Thurrock and is open to young people between the ages of 0-18, or up to 25 for those with special educational needs.

Any child or young person experiencing mental health difficulties as well as any parent, guardian or professional can access the service for help and guidance.

Organisation that provides this service

North East London NHS Foundation Trust (NELFT)

How to access this service

A child or young person can contact this service directly, and any parent/guardian or professional such as a teacher, school nurse or GP can also contact the CAMHS team on the behalf of the young person.

Refer yourself or a child/young perso via the contact details provided on the NELFT website.


Services in Suffolk

Unsure about where the boundaries we refer to lie? Enter your postcode to check whether you live in Ipswich and east Suffolk, north east Essex or west Suffolk.

About this service

This Suffolk Night Owls service provides emotional support via telephone, text and email during the evening and early hours of the morning. Support line workers will be there to listen and support you. They have experience of working within mental health services.

Organisation that provides this service

Suffolk Mind

How to access this service

Please register as a user of Suffolk Night Owls via the Suffolk Mind website.

About this service

Waves is an innovative service for people with a diagnosis of or traits of, Borderline Personality Disorder. It currently offers a weekly online facility, providing a safe, supportive and empowering environment. The Waves service is available to clients for a 12-month period and offers:

  • The chance for people to learn new skills in order to help themselves maintain their own mental wellbeing.
  • Help to individuals in building their confidence and self-esteem.
  • Help to clients to make positive connections and achieve personal goals.

Organisation that provides this service

Suffolk Mind

How to access this service

To access this service, please contact the provider directly via the contact details listed on the Suffolk Suffolk Mind website.

About this service

Wellbeing Suffolk provide a range of support for people with common mental health and emotional issues, such as low mood, depression or stress. They work with you to help you make the necessary changes to improve your wellbeing and quality of life. Services are free and are available for people aged 16 or over.

Organisation that provides this service

This service is provided by Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (NSFT) working in partnership with a number of third sector organisations. Learn more about who provides this service.

How to access this service

To access this service, please use the online referral form.

Questions or feedback?

Our Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALs) is here to help. Ask a question, provide feedback or lodge a complaint.

Page last modified: 17 April 2023
Next review due: 17 October 2023