The key document outlining NHS treatment options is written by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)- see NICE guidance for the general public.

The NICE Guidance states that Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) with a therapist 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 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. Your GP will be fully aware of the referral process.

We know many with social anxiety find talking to their GP about their mental health difficult – please see our page Talking to your GP.

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