The NHS does offer help for social anxiety and recognises some of the unique challenges that those with social anxiety face when seeking help. This includes the difficulties of interacting with GP Practice staff or attending appointments – see how contact with NHS services can be made easier for those with social anxiety 

The NHS NICE guidance states that Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), via NHS Talking Therapy, is “the first treatment you should be offered”. It should be a type of CBT that has been specifically designed to treat social anxiety disorder. See the SAAUK page on What is CBT.

The NHS website social anxiety page also states “CBT is generally considered the best treatment” but also references Other NHS treatment options and the following NHS self-help guide for social anxiety.

NHS CBT is delivered by the NHS Talking Therapy service and accessed via your GP or self-referral.

We know many with social anxiety find talking to their GP about their mental health difficult but what most people don’t realise is that GPs talk about mental health every day. Approximately a third of all GP appointments involve a discussion about mental well-being  – please see our page Talking to your GP.

Self-refer for NHS Social Anxiety CBT via the NHS Talking Therapy Search Page