Below is a list of mental health services available for patients in Edinburgh which you can access without necessarily seeing a GP.
REMEMBER THAT IN A MENTAL HEALTH EMERGENCY, PLEASE CONTACT MORNINGSIDE MEDICAL PRACTICE, NHS24 (TELEPHONE 111), BREATHING SPACE (0800 83 85 87), SAMARITANS (08457 90 90 90), OR EDINBURGH CRISIS CENTRE (0808 801 0414).
A fantastic website developed and maintained by organisations including The City of Edinburgh Council, NHS Lothian and Health in Mind. The main aim is to signpost people and carers to appropriate mental health services in Edinburgh This website provides a variety of free downloadable self help booklets, a list of recommended self help books to buy or loan from a library, and links to self help websites including online cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).
The Information Station is a one stop shop acting as a source of support, information and sign posting. This runs every Thursday 1030-1500 at the Walpole Hall in Palmerston Place. Lead by NHS Occupational Therapists, input is drawn from health and social care staff, peer support workers, volunteers and key third sector partners. The service aims to ensure that people have access to the right support as early as possible. Please click here to access Mental Health Station (2021) Information.
Health in Mind promote positive mental health and well-being in Scotland by providing a wide range of services to support people and enable them to make a positive difference in their lives. There are a range of services including anxiety and depression support groups. Patients can self refer, and for more information please click here.
NHS Lothian's website offering online self-help for a range of conditions enabling patients to learn, self-assess, manage and find support for a range of common symptoms and conditions.
A free 12 week programme that uses audio CD’s or MP3’s to treat stress, depression, anxiety, and a wide range of illnesses related to the effect of stress has on our body including sleeping problems, chronic pain, migraine, fibromyalgia, and irritable bowel syndrome. Also available as an app on Smart Phones. Click here to access Positive Mental Training. If you have a Smart phone, you can download the app called “feeling good”. To unlock the tracks, at the bottom of the download tab type: username ‘edinchpf1’, and password ‘positive’.
A free web-based life skills course that uses a CBT approach, which teaches users how to tackle and respond to issues and demands in their everyday life.
Living Life
This is a free telephone service available to anyone over the age of 16 who is suffering from low mood, mild to moderate depression and/or anxiety. To access this contact 0800 328 9655 (Mon-Fri 1300-2100). Click here for more information on Living Life.
Penumbra
Penumbra is one of the Scotland's largest mental health charities to promote mental health and wellbeing for all, prevent mental ill health for people who are 'at risk', and to support people with mental health problems.
Satveernijjar
Self harm is a very distressing issue, and this service offers bespoke, self harm awareness sessions. Please click here for more information and useful tips on dealing with self harm.
Counselling
Generally a 1:1 therapeutic relationship which may involve a variety of different psychological approaches (www.edinburghcounsellingagencies.co.uk for a list of free/low cost counselling services in Edinburgh).
Guided Self Help Referral
This service is used for people who have a diagnosis of mild-moderate depression based on the PHQ9 score of less than 15, and/or a GAD7 score equivalent. This service is ran by trained workers using CBT techniques, with the first assessment lasting about an hour, and then up to three half-hour sessions a few weeks apart to review progress. Please make a routine appointment with your usual GP, and bring along your PHQ9 score (available on our website).
Exercise Referral Scheme
Also known as Healthy Active Minds or Fit for Health, this project aims to introduce individuals who are experiencing a variety of mental health problems to regular physical activity, to accompany or act as an alternative to conventional treatment. This scheme is a 12 to 16 -week physical activity action plan, which includes a range of physical activity options, and provides a free Edinburgh Leisure card. Please make a routine appointment with your GP.
The Rivers Centre
The Rivers Centre is a specialist trauma service dedicated to addressing the health, social and welfare needs of people affected by psychological trauma such as physical assault, robbery, sexual assault, domestic violence and abuse and serious accidents. Please click here for The Rivers Centre Information Leaflet
Number 6
Number 6 is a service for autistic adults and provides free social opportunities and 1-1 advice and support on a range of issues. Number 6 operates a drop in service, please click here for more information.
Information for Parents and Carers of Pre Teens and Teenagers
The Parent and Carer Support Team have provided a very useful handout of local services in Edinburgh. Please click here to access their handout.
The Compassionate Friends Bereavement Group
The Compassionate Friends are a charity for parents whose child has died at any age and from any cause. They offer an opportunity to talk about the loss in a warm and caring environment with others who have also experienced the death of a son or daughter. They meet on the 2nd Wednesday of each month from 1400-1600 at Health in Mind, 40 Shandwick Place, Edinburgh EH2 4RT. Tel: 0345 123 2304, or email helpline@tcf.org.uk
Cared
Cared is funded by the Scottish Government and is a part of the Mental Health Strategy for Scotland. Its aims are to support loved ones aged 25 and under who have an eating disorder. Please click here for more information.
PETAL
PETAL is a pro-active support centre providing Practical and Emotional Support, Advocacy, Support and Counselling for the Families and Friends, Children and Young People of Murder and Suicide Victims. They are based at 4 Redheughs Rigg, South Gyle, Edinburgh EH12 9DQ, and contact number is 01698 324502.
National Gender Identity Clinical Network for Scotland
This information hub provides access to information about gender care and services for Scottish transgender service users. It is kept up to date with support and services. Please click here for more information.
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Websites and Apps
Child and Adolescent Mental Health in Lothian have recommended the below websites and apps that can help with mental health which include grounded exercises, visualisation exercises or mindfulness.
- Headspace - free download option where you can access a guided exercise per day
- Mindshift - can be helpful to manage, test anxiety, intense emotions and tackles avoidance and relaxation strategies
- Smiling Mind - Meditation exercises, digital detox
- Catch It - helps recognise, track mood and unhelpful thoughts
- Well Mind - an NHS app with some information about anxiety and low mood, and some distraction games (use App store or Google Play to download)
- Youth Anxiety Canada - helpful information on anxiety aimed at young people
- Stem4 - useful website, including an app, providing a range of ways to help young people manage anxiety
- Mood Mission - app based, tailored list of 5 simple, quick, effective, evidence-based Missions to improve your mood.
- Health Opportunities - Edinburgh based charity supporting young people aged 12-25 to improve their physical, sexual and emotional health and wellbeing. Trauma informed work includes, therapeutic 1:1, 'Feel Good' groups, weekly drop ins, 1:1 and group work with young people affected by their own or parental substance use, RSHP education and group work in Schools.
- Young Minds - Parent helpline. Information and advice on young people’s emotional wellbeing and mental health.