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Understanding mental health and drug services

Local authorities provide mental health and drug services complimenting NHS-provided care, with some addressing broader health issues such as housing, employment.

Mental health services
Typically provide

• Mental health support
• Crisis intervention and suicide prevention initiatives
• Community mental health teams (collaborating with NHS)
• Social care support for those with severe and enduring mental health problems

Drug and alcohol services
Typically provide

• Prevention/ harm reduction programmes (eg: needle exchange)
• Community-based drug and alcohol treatment recovery
• Counselling, group therapy; and peer support
• Outreach for vulnerable populations.

Finding support in your area
Your local authority website should have details about mental health and substance misuse services in your borough.

GP referrals and referring yourself
General Practitioners (GPs) can refer you to local authority services or integrated care pathways. Some services, such as drug and alcohol treatment centres, allow you to self-refer without a GP or social worker's involvement.