Mental Health Waiting Times Across the NHS

The NHS Mental Health waiting list in England has 2,938 patients currently waiting for treatment, with a typical wait of around 8 weeks across 14 hospitals. In practice, Mental Health waiting times range from about 1 weeks at the fastest hospital to 18 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. 2 patients have been on the Mental Health waiting list for more than a year. Waits for Mental Health are about 2.2 weeks shorter than in February 2025.

12-month change

Then vs now nationally

Feb 25→Feb 26
Typical wait
7.5weeks
▼ -2.2 wks
How long most people wait
Seen in 18 weeks
8in 10
▲ +7.5 pts
NHS aims to see everyone this fast
People waiting
2.9k
▲ +79
On the waiting list right now
Waiting over a year
2
No change
Been on the list for 12+ months
14
Hospitals you could choose from
8 weeks
How long most people wait
8 in 10
Seen within 18 weeks
2
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.

▼ -2.2 wks

All hospitals

Hospital Region Wait Within 18 Wks 52+ Wk
Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust North West North West 1 wks
95.9%
-
Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust South East South East 3 wks
96.8%
-
Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust South West South West 4 wks
91.8%
-
Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust North East and Yorkshire North East and Yorkshire 4 wks
99.1%
-
University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust Midlands Midlands 4 wks
88.9%
1
Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust North East and Yorkshire North East and Yorkshire 4 wks
94.8%
-
University Hospitals Bristol And Weston NHS Foundation Trust South West South West 4 wks
100.0%
-
The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust North West North West 4 wks
81.6%
-
Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust Midlands Midlands 8 wks
88.2%
-
County Durham And Darlington NHS Foundation Trust North East and Yorkshire North East and Yorkshire 11 wks
70.2%
-
University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust London London 12 wks
73.1%
-
Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust Midlands Midlands 14 wks
90.0%
-
Great Ormond Street Hospital For Children NHS Foundation Trust London London 16 wks
53.8%
1
Epsom And St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust London London 18 wks
51.0%
-

Patient experiences

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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 2,938 patients currently waiting for treatment. The typical wait is around 8 weeks (nearly 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 8 weeks. In our data it ranges from as short as 1 weeks at the fastest hospital to 18 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, 84% 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.