Private CBT or NHS Talking Therapies? How to Choose in Bristol and North Somerset
If you’re struggling with anxiety, low mood or overwhelm, one of the first questions is often: should I go through the NHS, or see someone privately?
I trained and worked in the NHS before building my private practice, and I’m a real advocate for it. So I’ll say this first: NHS Talking Therapies is a genuinely good option, and for many people it’s the right place to start. It’s free at the point of use, you can usually self-refer without seeing your GP, and it’s staffed by skilled, committed clinicians who work under enormous pressure.
What the NHS does well
- It costs nothing when you need it.
- It’s evidence-based. CBT is recommended by NICE as a first-line treatment for anxiety, panic, OCD and depression, and NHS services are built around those guidelines.
- It’s there for everyone, including people whose difficulties are more complex or who need a wider team around them.
Where people sometimes choose private therapy
Private CBT isn’t better. It’s different, and the differences suit some people:
- Waiting times. These vary by area and by time of year. Some people prefer to start sooner.
- No barriers. You can start whenever you feel is best; no need to meet a clinical criteria.
- Choice of therapist. You can read about someone’s approach and speak to them first before committing.
- Flexibility. Appointment times, and how long you continue, are agreed between you and your therapist.
- Continuity. You see the same person throughout, in a setting you choose. My sessions take place at The Little Barn, a peaceful converted barn in North Somerset, rather than a clinical office.
- Insurance. If you have private health cover, therapy may be covered. I’m approved by AXA PPP, Aviva, Cigna and Healix.
So which is right for you?
There’s no wrong answer. A few questions can help:
- How urgent does it feel? If you’re in crisis or worried about your safety, contact your GP, call NHS 111 or, in an emergency, 999. Please don’t wait for either route.
- What matters most to you: cost, speed, or choosing your therapist?
- Have you tried one route already? Plenty of people start with the NHS and later come to private therapy, and the reverse is also true. I have worked with people whilst they’re waiting on the NHS waiting list.
Whichever you choose, look for a therapist accredited by the BABCP (the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies), which means they meet the profession’s standards for training, supervised practice and ethics.
If you’d like to talk it through
I offer an initial conversation with no obligation to continue if you don’t feel I’m the right person to help. I’m local to Clevedon, Yatton, Claverham, Cleeve, Nailsea, Backwell, Portishead and Tickenham, and about 20 minutes from Bristol. Get in touch here.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use both NHS and private therapy?
Usually you’d focus on one at a time so that the approaches don’t overlap.
Do I need a GP referral for private CBT?
Generally not, though some insurers require one.
Will private CBT go on my medical record?
Your GP will only be informed if there is concern for your safety, or the safety of someone else.
Do I have to live in Bristol or Somerset?
Bristol and North Somerset are within easy distance of Reset In Somserset, however you are welcome to travel. Sessions are also available online, and a mixture of online and in person sessions is also completely fine.
If I did want to access therapy via the NHS, how would I do this?
Vita Minds is the local provider of Talking Therapies in Bristol and North Somerset. Their website can be found here.