FairWaitPsychiatrist appointment waiting times and costs in the UK
Official NHS waiting times for psychiatrist appointment at every hospital in England, and how Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland compare, plus what it costs to go private. Figures from July 2026, checked daily.
Shortest NHS waits in England for other - Mental Health Services
The 12 hospitals with the shortest median wait, out of 12 hospitals treating NHS patients. Private hospitals here treat NHS patients for free on a GP referral. Figures are for each NHS trust or provider as a whole.
| Hospital / trust | Type | Region | Median wait so far | Within 18 weeks | Waiting |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust | NHS | North East | 4 wk | 97.4% | 190 |
| Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust | NHS | South West | 4 wk | 88.2% | 93 |
| University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust | NHS | West Midlands | 4 wk | 100% | 41 |
| Bristol NHS Foundation Trust | NHS | South West | 5 wk | 100% | 26 |
| Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust | NHS | North East | 5 wk | 87.7% | 146 |
| Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust | NHS | South East | 6 wk | 100% | 70 |
| Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust | NHS | North West | 7 wk | 89.3% | 28 |
| Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust | NHS | London | 7 wk | 83.3% | 42 |
| University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust | NHS | London | 8 wk | 80.7% | 1,003 |
| Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust | NHS | West Midlands | 8 wk | 86% | 780 |
| County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust | NHS | North East | 11 wk | 71.3% | 811 |
| Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust | NHS | London | 26 wk | 31.1% | 119 |
Common questions
How long is the NHS wait for psychiatrist appointment?
In England, half of the 3,456 people currently waiting for other - Mental Health Services treatment had been waiting 8 wks or less so far, and 80.5% within 18 weeks (July 2026; the NHS standard is 92%). It varies a lot by hospital: the shortest median above is 4 wk. The NHS publishes waits by specialty, not by individual operation, so this is the wait for the specialty that treats it.
How much does psychiatrist appointment cost privately in the UK?
Typically £300–£450 as a self-pay patient. This is a FairWait estimate from published price lists — prices vary by hospital and consultant, so ask for a written quote. On the NHS it's free.
Can I choose a hospital with a shorter wait?
In England you have the legal right to choose where you're referred for most planned hospital treatment, including private hospitals that treat NHS patients, at no cost. Ask your GP, or see the NHS guide to choosing a hospital.
Sources: NHS England — Referral to Treatment waiting times (July 2026). Private prices are FairWait estimates. All data sources.