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Before Therapy Starts: Nine Ways to Steady Yourself on the NHS Waiting List

Before Therapy Starts: Nine Ways to Steady Yourself on the NHS Waiting List

Self-referring to NHS Talking Therapies can be a sensible first step, but the wait that follows is often uncertain. This AHPP explainer sets out what happens after referral in 2026, why timelines differ by integrated care board, and nine evidence-informed ways to protect your mental health while you wait—without treating self-help as a substitute for care.