Where to Find Perinatal Mental Health Support in the UK
When you're struggling in pregnancy or since your baby arrived, there's actually a lot of support in the UK. The hard part is that it's scattered, and you're rarely in the mood to go hunting for it. So here is a map of the organisations worth knowing about, gathered in one place and grouped by what you might need. This is signposting, not endorsement, and details can change, so do check each one's own site.
Start here: the NHS
Your midwife, health visitor and GP are the first people to tell, and they expect these conversations.
Free talking therapy for anxiety and low mood (England). Self-refer with no GP needed, and expecting and new parents are prioritised.
For moderate to severe or more complex needs. Ask your midwife, health visitor or GP to refer you.
Depression and anxiety in pregnancy or after birth
Free helpline, peer support and online groups for antenatal and postnatal depression and anxiety. Supports mums, dads and families.
Clear information on perinatal mental health and a directory of useful contacts.
Postpartum psychosis
A rare but serious illness in the days or weeks after birth. A sudden change involving confusion, racing thoughts, not sleeping at all, or frightening thoughts is a medical emergency: call 999 or go to A&E.
Information, peer support and recovery guidance for women and families affected by postpartum psychosis.
Birth trauma
Support and information for parents affected by a traumatic birth or birth-related PTSD.
Pregnancy and baby loss
A midwife-staffed line (Mon to Fri) and expert support around pregnancy, miscarriage, stillbirth and premature birth.
Free specialist counselling for anyone who has experienced baby loss.
The practical strains: crying, sleep and isolation
Sometimes it isn't a diagnosis. It's relentless crying, no sleep, and long lonely days. That still deserves support.
The UK charity for parents of babies who cry excessively or won't sleep. Helpline open 7 days a week, 9am to 10pm.
Practical and emotional support for new parents, with a postnatal support line and local groups. Find current contact details on their site.
Local volunteers offering practical and emotional support to families with young children.
Support for families of any kind, including with mental health.
If you need help now
If you or your baby are in immediate danger, call 999. For urgent mental health support, call NHS 111 and choose the mental health option, or Samaritans, free and any time.
A safe place to talk any time, about whatever is getting to you.
A UK-wide database to find mental health support near you across NHS, charity and community services.
Some parents choose to pay for private or online therapy, which can mean shorter waits and more choice of who you see. If you're weighing that up, our honest guide to online therapy platforms in the UK covers what they cost and what to check before you pay.
Not ready to pick up the phone?
A list like this can feel like one more thing to manage when you've nothing left in the tank. You don't have to work it all out alone. If you'd like to put words to how you've been feeling first, or just think through what you actually need before you reach out, our companion Niais a free, private place to do that. She isn't therapy or a crisis service, but she's a calm space to start, and she can help you work out which of these to reach for.
The honest bottom line
There is more help out there than it can feel like at 3am with a screaming baby. Start with whoever feels easiest, your midwife, your GP, a free helpline, and let one conversation lead to the next. You don't need the perfect option. You just need the first one.
Not sure where to start?
Answer a few gentle questions and we'll point you to the right support for how you're feeling.
Related guides
Somewhere to start, before the phone calls.
Nia is a warm, private companion for pregnancy and early parenthood. A free space to put words to how you've been, and to work out which of these to reach for. Not therapy, but a gentle first step.
Talk with Nia