Mental Health Waiting Times Across the NHS

Across 14 NHS hospitals, the average wait to see a mental health specialist is about 10 weeks (just over 2 months).

14
Hospitals offering this
10 weeks
National average wait
78%
Seen within 18 weeks
3
Waiting 52+ weeks

Common reasons for referral

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

All hospitals

Hospital Region Wait Within 18 Wks 52+ Wk
Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust North West North West 2 wks
95.0%
-
Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust North East and Yorkshire North East and Yorkshire 3 wks
96.9%
-
University Hospitals Bristol And Weston NHS Foundation Trust South West South West 5 wks
100.0%
-
Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust North East and Yorkshire North East and Yorkshire 5 wks
96.0%
-
Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust Midlands Midlands 6 wks
88.9%
2
Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust South West South West 6 wks
93.8%
-
University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust Midlands Midlands 8 wks
69.0%
-
The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust North West North West 10 wks
73.3%
-
Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust Midlands Midlands 10 wks
74.3%
-
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust North West North West 10 wks
75.7%
-
University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust London London 12 wks
73.3%
1
County Durham And Darlington NHS Foundation Trust North East and Yorkshire North East and Yorkshire 13 wks
65.4%
-
Great Ormond Street Hospital For Children NHS Foundation Trust London London 16 wks
53.0%
-
Epsom And St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust London London 30 wks
33.3%
-

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the average Mental Health waiting time?

The average NHS waiting time for Mental Health is about 10 weeks (just over 2 months), based on data from 14 hospitals.

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

The typical wait to see a mental health specialist on the NHS is about 10 weeks. However, this varies significantly by hospital. Use WaitRadar to compare waiting times at different hospitals.

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

Across the NHS, 78% 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.