NHS Mental Health Referral Waiting Times in Birmingham

Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

Updated February 2026

The typical wait to see a mental health specialist is

8 weeks

That's nearly 2 months

The NHS Mental Health waiting list at Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust currently has 919 patients waiting, with a typical wait of around 8 weeks from GP referral. About 9 in 10 Mental Health patients here are seen within 18 weeks (the NHS constitutional target is 9 in 10). Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is an NHS Foundation Trust in the Midlands region. Waits at this hospital are about 2.8 weeks shorter than in February 2025. It's slipped down 1 place in the national league for this department's; now 9 out of 14 hospitals.

12-month change

Then vs now for this department at this hospital

Feb 25Feb 26
Typical wait
7.7weeks
▼ -2.8 wks
How long most people wait
Seen in 18 weeks
9in 10
▲ +12.1 pts
NHS aims to see everyone this fast
People waiting
919
▲ +219
On the waiting list right now
Waiting over a year
0
No change
Been on the list for 12+ months
9 in 10
seen within 18 weeks
The NHS tries to treat everyone this fast
919
people waiting right now
Currently on this department's list
20 weeks
long-wait time
About 1 in 12 people wait this long or longer

Wait time over time

Median wait for this department, with the national average as a dashed line.

▼ -2.8 wks

How long are people waiting?

Distribution of patients by how many weeks they've been on the waiting list.

How does this compare?

The national average wait to see a mental health specialist is about 8 weeks. This hospital is about the same as the national average.

Hospital ranking

Ranked 9th out of 14 hospitals nationally for this department

Ranked 2nd out of 3 in Midlands

What does Mental Health cover?

Common conditions and procedures for this department:

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

Hospital contact

Main hospital switchboard. ask to be connected to the department.

3 Priestley Wharf, Birmingham, B7 4BN
0121 466 6000
NHS Birmingham And Solihull Integrated Care Board

Same department at other hospitals nearby

Compare Mental Health waiting times at other hospitals in the Midlands region:

Patient experiences

People who used this department at this hospital.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the NHS Mental Health waiting list at Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust?

Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust currently has about 919 patients on its Mental Health waiting list. The typical wait from GP referral to first appointment is around 8 weeks.

Does Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust meet the NHS 18-week target for Mental Health?

About 88% of Mental Health patients at Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust are currently seen within 18 weeks of GP referral. The NHS constitutional target is 92%.

Can I choose a different hospital if the Mental Health wait is too long?

Yes. Under the NHS Constitution, patients in England can ask their GP to refer them to any hospital that provides NHS care. Use WaitRadar to compare Mental Health waiting times at other NHS hospitals near you before accepting a referral.

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