No. You do not need a GP referral for private therapy.

You can contact Sheffield Mind directly, without involving your doctor and without joining a waiting list. Starting therapy doesn't need to feel complicated, and with private therapy from Sheffield Mind, it isn't.

What Is Self-Referral for Therapy?

Self-referral means contacting a therapy service directly, on your own terms, without needing anyone else's sign-off.

With private therapy, there's no form to fill in at your GP surgery, no long waiting list, and no requirement to have a diagnosis. You simply get in touch, tell us a little about what's been going on and we take it from there.

NHS Therapy vs Private Therapy - What's the Difference?

Both routes can provide real, effective support. The main differences come down to access, waiting times, and flexibility.

NHS therapy is available through your GP but demand is high, and waiting times for an initial appointment can be long.

Private therapy means arranging and funding sessions yourself, directly with a therapist or service. There are no long NHS waiting lists, just practical, professional support from experienced therapists. You get faster access, greater flexibility over scheduling and you work with the same therapist from the start. 

For people who are ready to get started now, or who have already been waiting a while through NHS routes, private therapy offers a more immediate path to support.

How to Access Private Therapy with Sheffield Mind

Getting started is straightforward. Here's what to expect:

1. Get in touch 

Reach out by phone, email, or through our online referral form. You don't need to have everything figured out before you contact us.

2. An initial conversation 

We'll start with a relaxed, informal chat about what's been going on and what you're hoping to get from therapy. There's no pressure and no formal assessment, it's just a chance for us to understand your situation and make sure we're the right fit.

3. Agree on a schedule and get started 

From there, we'll agree on a schedule that works for you, weekly sessions in person, by video, or over the phone and you'll begin working with the same therapist throughout.

Sessions cost £50 per hour for adults and all proceeds are reinvested directly into Sheffield Mind's work across Sheffield.

We're based at The Wellbeing Centre, 110 Sharrow Lane, Sheffield, S11 8AL.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a GP referral for private therapy? 

No. You can refer yourself directly to Sheffield Mind. There's no need to involve your GP, and no formal referral process to go through.

Can I refer myself to counselling? 

Yes. Self-referral is straightforward - just get in touch and we'll take it from there.

How quickly can I start private therapy? 

Availability varies depending on demand, but we aim to offer appointments as promptly as possible. Get in touch to find out current waiting times.

Do I need a diagnosis to access therapy? 

No. You don't need a diagnosis, a label, or any official documentation. If something is affecting how you feel or how you're getting on day to day, that's enough of a reason to reach out.

My GP has suggested I try therapy, do I still need a referral from them? 

No. Even if your GP has recommended therapy, you can contact us directly. You don't need a letter or a formal referral from them to book an appointment.

Is private therapy confidential from my GP? 

Yes. Your sessions are confidential, and your therapist will not report back to your GP or share the content of your sessions without your consent. The only exceptions are situations where there are serious safeguarding concerns.

How much does private therapy cost at Sheffield Mind? 

Sessions are £50 per hour for adults. Because Revive is part of Sheffield Mind, all income is reinvested into the work of the charity so when you choose Revive, you're also helping to fund the development of mental health support for people across the city.

Ready to Get Started?

Get in touch with Sheffield Mind today and we'll take it from there. [email protected] 0114 258 4489