Mental Health Waiting Times Across the NHS

The NHS Mental Health waiting list in England has 2,948 patients currently waiting for treatment, with a typical wait of around 9 weeks across 14 hospitals. In practice, Mental Health waiting times range from about 3 weeks at the fastest hospital to 21 weeks at the slowest. From GP referral to first Mental Health appointment, most patients (92%) are seen within about 24 weeks; the NHS constitutional target is 18 weeks. 3 patients have been on the Mental Health waiting list for more than a year. Waits for Mental Health are about 0.6 week longer than in April 2025.

12-month change

Then vs now nationally

Apr 25→Apr 26
Typical wait
8.9weeks
â–² +0.6 wks
How long most people wait
Seen in 18 weeks
8in 10
â–² +2.4 pts
NHS aims to see everyone this fast
People waiting
2.9k
â–² +532
On the waiting list right now
Waiting over a year
3
No change
Been on the list for 12+ months
14
Hospitals you could choose from
9 weeks
How long most people wait
8 in 10
Seen within 18 weeks
3
Have waited over a year

Common reasons for referral

Anxiety disorders
Depression
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Eating disorders
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Bipolar disorder
Personality disorders
Psychosis assessment

National trend

Average mental health wait across England, month by month.

â–² +0.6 wks

All hospitals

Hospital Region Wait Within 18 Wks 52+ Wk
University Hospitals Bristol And Weston NHS Foundation Trust South West South West 3 wks
100.0%
-
Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust South West South West 4 wks
90.2%
-
Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust North East and Yorkshire North East and Yorkshire 4 wks
96.4%
-
Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust North East and Yorkshire North East and Yorkshire 5 wks
94.2%
-
Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust South East South East 5 wks
95.5%
-
University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust Midlands Midlands 6 wks
84.2%
-
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust North West North West 6 wks
96.3%
-
Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust Midlands Midlands 8 wks
88.0%
-
The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust North West North West 9 wks
100.0%
-
University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust London London 10 wks
74.8%
2
Guy's And St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust London London 13 wks
62.5%
-
County Durham And Darlington NHS Foundation Trust North East and Yorkshire North East and Yorkshire 14 wks
64.6%
-
Epsom And St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust London London 18 wks
52.1%
1
Great Ormond Street Hospital For Children NHS Foundation Trust London London 21 wks
43.0%
-

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the NHS Mental Health waiting list?

The NHS Mental Health waiting list in England has about 2,948 patients currently waiting for treatment. The typical wait is around 9 weeks (2 months), based on data from 14 hospitals. Waiting times vary significantly between hospitals, so it's worth comparing your options before accepting a referral.

How long will I wait to see a mental health specialist on the NHS?

The headline NHS waiting time is the wait from your GP's referral to your first outpatient appointment, which is the first time you actually see a mental health specialist. Nationally this currently averages about 9 weeks. In our data it ranges from as short as 3 weeks at the fastest hospital to 21 weeks at the slowest, so where you are referred matters. Any tests, procedures or treatment that follow that first appointment may have their own waits on top.

What percentage of Mental Health patients are seen within 18 weeks?

Across the NHS, 82% of Mental Health patients are currently seen within the 18-week target. The NHS constitutional standard is 92%.

Can I choose which hospital I'm referred to?

Yes. Under the NHS Constitution, patients in England have the right to choose which hospital they are referred to for a first outpatient appointment. You can use WaitRadar to compare waiting times and discuss your options with your GP.

Source: NHS England RTT statistics. about our methodology

This is informational data, not medical advice. Always discuss referral options with your GP. Full disclaimer.