Where to Find Mental Health Support on the Wirral (Free and Private Options)
If You’re in Crisis: Urgent Mental Health Help on the Wirral
If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health and in crisis right now, immediate help is available:
Mental Health Crisis Team (via 111)
Call 111 and select the option for mental health. This team provides 24/7 urgent support for people in crisis
Companeros Crisis Café (Birkenhead)
A safe, non-clinical drop-in space is open from 10 am to 10 pm daily. No appointment needed. They also offer workshops, support groups, and advice clinics on housing, benefits, and more. More about Companeros
Samaritans (Free and confidential)
Call 116 123 for emotional support at any time, day or night.
A Local Guide to Mental Health Services in Wirral
There is a lot of mental health support on the Wirral if you know where to look. Here are some local resources, many of which are free, and some are low-cost.
NHS Mental Health Services in Wirral
- Everyturn
Wirral’s NHS talking therapy service, offering free counselling for anxiety, depression, trauma, and more.
You can self-refer via their website or speak to your GP. - Note: There is a long waiting list, and sessions are usually limited in number.
Visit Everyturn
Community Mental Health Teams
Support is available via referral from your GP for more complex or ongoing mental health needs.
Free Local Charities & Community Services in Wirral
These local organisations offer valuable mental health support and wellbeing services—many at no cost.
Involve Northwest
A hub of free support, including:
- Clear Minds: Counselling in partnership with NHS talking therapies (ages 16+).
- Connect Us: Helps reduce isolation and build community connections.
- The Lighthouse Centre: For women and children affected by domestic abuse.
- Benefits advice and other practical support available.
Wirral Mind
Offers:
- Free/low-cost counselling
- Befriending services
- Health and wellbeing advice and activities
Tomorrow’s Women
A brilliant resource for women in Wirral, offering:
- One-to-one emotional support
- Free classes in fitness, gardening, arts, and more
- Support around relationships, confidence, and wellbeing.
Hatch (for Children & Young People)
A wellbeing service for young people in Merseyside. Services include:
- Counselling
- Summer camps
- Exercise and creative classes
Private Counselling on the Wirral
Private therapy might suit you if you seek faster access, flexible support, or a more customised approach.
Why Choose Private Therapy?
- No waiting lists and flexible appointment times
- Sessions are designed around your needs and goals
- Support for as long as you need it (NHS counselling usually offers a limited number of sessions)
- Options for in-person or online appointments
- You choose your therapist.
How I Can Help
Hi, I’m Anna, a Wirral-based therapist specialising in anxiety and stress. I work with adults experiencing:
- Social anxiety
- Health anxiety
- Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD)
- Burnout or life transitions
Find out more about me and my approach here
You can choose between ongoing therapy or a one-off Mental Health MOT.
Mental Health MOT
A 90-minute deep-dive session to help you feel unstuck, regain clarity, and walk away with practical strategies and tools.
Perfect for busy professionals or anyone wanting support without a long-term commitment.
More about the Mental Health MOT
Ongoing therapy
I offer ongoing therapy, which can be long or short term, as long as you need it and find it helpful! This is usually a weekly 50-minute session – although I work flexibly, some choose to have monthly or fortnightly sessions.
In-person or online sessions are available
Appointments available in Birkenhead, Chester, or via secure video call.
Using Private Health Insurance
I’m registered with Bupa, AXA Health, Aviva and Vitality, and possibly other insurers. This means that if you have private healthcare, you might be able to get the cost of therapy covered in full. Click here for more information about claiming through private healthcare
If you’re unsure how to access support through your policy, I’m happy to guide you through the process.
Book a free 20-minute consultation
How to Choose the Right Mental Health Support
In my experience, many clients worry about what type of therapy to go for – whether that be Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Psychodynamic, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and many more! Research has shown that the relationship between the client and therapist is the most important factor in recovery and feeling better. The best therapy is where you feel valued and accepted by your therapist. Therefore, I suggest going with a therapist who feels right for you rather than looking for a specific type of therapy. Having said that, though, please always check that they
- Identify what you need
Are you looking for general emotional support, anxiety therapy, or help with a specific issue? - Decide on short-term vs. ongoing help.
Do you need regular sessions, or would a one-off check-in like the Mental Health MOT be a good place to start? - Research your options
Look for services or counsellors with experience in your area of concern. In my experience, many clients worry about what type of therapy to go for – whether that be Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Psychodynamic, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and many more! Research has shown that the relationship between the client and therapist is the most important factor in recovery and feeling better. The best therapy is where you feel valued and accepted by your therapist. Therefore, I suggest going with a therapist who feels right for you rather than looking for a specific type of therapy. Just check they are registered with a professional body such as BACP, NCS or UKCP, as that is your assurance they are appropriately qualified to be offering support (it’s shocking, but it’s not illegal for a person to set themselves up as a counsellor or therapist with no professional training at all). - Take the first step
Reaching out is often the hardest part. Many therapists offer a free intro call to ask any questions and check if you “gel” with them.
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