Mental health services in north east Essex

Support, treatment and advice for mental health, including how to access services and find help in a crisis.

Mental health north east Essex services provide support, treatment and advice for residents experiencing emotional or psychological difficulties. Whether you need early help, structured therapy or ongoing wellbeing support, local services can guide you to appropriate care. Support is available for both mild concerns and more complex mental health needs.

For general information about adult mental health services across Essex, visit the main Adult Mental Health page. However, the information below focuses specifically on services available in north east Essex.

Mental health support available in north east Essex

Residents can access a wide range of NHS and community-based services. Some services provide clinical treatment, while others focus on wellbeing, recovery and prevention.

Support available includes:

  • NHS Talking Therapies
  • Recovery and self-management courses
  • Community wellbeing and social prescribing support
  • Group-based wellbeing programmes
  • Digital wellbeing tools

In many cases, you can refer yourself directly. However, certain services require referral from a GP or another healthcare professional. Therefore, access routes and eligibility depend on the type of support you need.

Local mental health services in north east Essex

Several NHS organisations and community providers deliver mental health north east Essex services. Together, they aim to provide coordinated and accessible support.

Available services include:

  • NHS Talking Therapies in north east Essex
  • Mid and South Essex Recovery College (for Braintree residents)
  • Trust Links wellbeing app

Each service offers different types of help. For example, some focus on structured therapy, while others promote recovery skills and community connection. As a result, you may use more than one service depending on your needs.

What this service offers

You can access:

  • Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
  • Counselling
  • Guided self-help programmes
  • Online, telephone or face-to-face sessions

Support is tailored to your needs and preferences. In addition, clinicians work with you to agree the most suitable approach.

Who can use this service?

  • Adults aged 18 and over
  • Some young people aged 16+ who are already supported by specialist services as part of a care plan

How to access

You can self-refer or ask a professional to refer you.

For residents living in Braintree, this service is delivered by Hertfordshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.

Telephone: 01268 739 128
Email: [email protected]

Complete an online self referral form

Learn more about Mid Essex Talking Therapies

For Colchester and Tendring residents, Essex Partnership University NHS Trust delivers this service.

Telephone: 01206 334 001

Complete an online self referral form

Learn more about Therapy for You

What happens after referral?

After you contact the service:

  • Staff explain expected waiting times
  • An assessment is arranged
  • Your needs are reviewed
  • A suitable therapy is recommended

The Recovery College provides free courses and workshops designed to help people build confidence, develop skills and manage their mental health more effectively. This service is available to Braintree residents.

What this service offers

  • Educational courses on wellbeing and recovery
  • Self-management skills
  • Peer-led learning
  • Group sessions in Braintree

Courses are co-designed by people with lived experience and trained professionals. As a result, they reflect practical recovery approaches.

This service is delivered by Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust in partnership with Provide Community and Trust Links.

Learn more about the Mid and South Essex Recovery College

The Trust Links Wellbeing App is a free digital tool designed to support emotional wellbeing.

What the app offers

  • Daily wellbeing check-ins
  • Journaling tools
  • Self-help resources
  • Progress tracking
  • Optional service support

You can use the app independently or alongside local services.

Download the Trust Links wellbeing app

What do to if you need urgent mental health support

If you or someone else is in danger, call 999 or go to A&E now

If you need urgent help for your mental health, get help from NHS 111 online or call 111

Your mental health is as important as your physical health. You will not be wasting anyone’s time.

Mental health FAQs for north east Essex residents

Mental health needs can change over time. Therefore, it is helpful to understand how services work and what to do if your situation changes.

Yes. Most mental health services are organised by area, so residents usually access services where they live.

In some cases, yes. Services often coordinate care if you access more than one programme. Ask your provider or GP for advice.

If your symptoms worsen:

  • Contact the service you are waiting for
  • Speak to your GP
  • Call NHS 111 for urgent advice

Do not wait if you are worried about your safety.

Yes. All services follow NHS confidentiality and data protection rules. Information is only shared where necessary for safety.

If you move to another area, you may need to transfer to local services there. Your current provider can support you with this process.