Looking after your mental health and wellbeing is important at every age.
In Essex, a range of NHS services are available for adults, children and young people, people with a learning disability or autism, and those living with dementia.
This section of the website provides clear information about:
- adult mental health services
- children and young people’s mental health
- support for people with a learning disability and autism
- dementia information, assessment and care
- how to get urgent mental health help
Get urgent mental health help
Adults 24/7 crisis support
If you need help now, contact the NHS 111 mental health option or your local NHS urgent mental health helpline, available 24 hours a day.
If there is an immediate risk to life, call 999.
You can also contact your GP practice for advice during opening hours.
A mental health crisis is when a child or young person is extremely distressed and needs urgent support to stay safe and cope.
This may include if they:
- are at risk of harming themselves or someone else
- are having thoughts of suicide
- are experiencing severe distress, confusion, or hearing or seeing things that are frightening or upsetting
If your child needs urgent mental health support
Opening times:Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.00pm
Evenings, weekends, and bank holidays (after 5.00pm)
Call Mental Health Direct on freephone 0800 995 1000
SET CAMHS on freephone:0800 953 0222
Mental Health Direct on freephone:0800 995 1000
In an emergency
If your child or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999 or go to your nearest Accident and Emergency (A&E) department.
If you are concerned but it is not urgent
If you are worried about your child’s mental health but do not feel they are in immediate crisis, please call the weekday number during office hours for advice and support.
Other support you can access anytime
- Samaritans: 116 123
- SHOUT: text SHOUT to 85258
- NHS urgent mental health support (NHS.uk)
If you are already receiving support from a mental health team, you can contact them directly.
Use the links below to find the right information for you:
- Adult mental health
- Children and young people’s mental health
- Learning disability and autism
- Dementia support