What’s available and where to start
When you’re struggling with your mental health, knowing where to turn can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re not sure what support is available or how to access it.
At Talk Works, we’re passionate about making therapy more accessible across the North East, but we also know we’re one part of a much wider system. That’s why we’ve created this guide that will help you navigate your options with confidence and clarity, whatever your age, background or support needs.
Whether you’re looking for evidence-based therapy, support for a young person, or just a starting point, you’re in the right place.
What is evidence-based therapy?
Let’s start with the basics. Evidence-based therapies are approaches backed by clinical research and recommended by organisations like NICE (the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). They’ve been shown to be effective in treating a wide range of mental health issues – from anxiety and depression, to PTSD and OCD.
Some of the most common evidence-based therapies include:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – Helps you understand and reframe negative thought patterns.
- EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) – A powerful trauma-focused therapy.
- Counselling – Talking therapy to explore emotions, relationships and patterns of behaviour.
At Talk Works, we offer all of the above for adults across the North East via video, phone or face-to-face.
What about support for under-18s?
Talk Works specialises in adult therapy, which means we don’t currently provide therapy for children and young people. But we know how vital early support can be, so here are some services you can explore if you’re looking for young people’s mental health support in the North East:
CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services)
NHS-funded and available across all North East trusts, CAMHS supports young people up to age 18 with moderate to severe mental health difficulties. You can be referred via a GP, school or sometimes directly.
Find your local CAMHS service:
Kooth
An anonymous, online mental health platform for ages 11–25. Offers free counselling, peer support and resources, without a referral.
The Mix
UK-wide service offering text, web chat and telephone support for anyone under 25.
What if you can’t afford private therapy?
We believe therapy should be accessible to everyone. If private therapy isn’t financially viable for you right now, there are free or low-cost options available locally:
1. NHS Talking Therapies (IAPT)
You can self-refer online for therapies like CBT and counselling. Services vary slightly by area:
Waiting times can vary, if you need help sooner, private options like Talk Works offer appointments within 7-10 working days.
2. Community organisations
Charities such as Mind, Anxious Minds, and Tyneside and Northumberland MIND offer accessible therapy and wellbeing programmes. Some are donation-based.
3. University counselling services
If you’re a student, universities like Newcastle, Northumbria, Durham and Sunderland offer free, confidential mental health support.
How Talk Works can help
If you’re 18 or over and looking for therapy that’s fast, flexible, and delivered by highly qualified professionals, we’re here.
We provide:
- CBT, EMDR, counselling, and more
- In-person or remote sessions
- Rapid access – typically within 5 working days
- BACP, BABCP and HCPC-registered clinicians
Whether you’ve had therapy before or are completely new to it, we’ll guide you every step of the way.
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to mental health, and that’s a good thing. Whatever you’re experiencing, there are options.
From NHS services and charities to private providers like Talk Works, help is out there. The most important thing is to take that first step.
If you are in crisis right now and need emergency help:
- Contact the crisis team – Call 111 or get help from 111 online.
- Call 116 123 to talk to Samaritans – available 24/7, or email – jo@samaritans.org
- SHOUT – Text SHOUT to 85258 – available 24/7
Start your therapy journey now