Speak to a CQC-regulated GP from home and, where clinically appropriate, receive an antidepressant prescription sent directly to your phone. No long waits and no need to travel to a surgery.
Yes. A CQC-regulated private GP can assess your symptoms via a secure video or phone consultation and, where clinically appropriate, issue an antidepressant prescription online. The prescription is sent electronically to a pharmacy of your choice or directly to your phone so you can order your medication without leaving home. The whole process — from booking to receiving your prescription — can often be completed the same day.
tapGP offers confidential online mental health assessments with experienced UK GPs. During your consultation the GP will review your symptoms, medical history and any previous treatment to decide whether an antidepressant is the right option for you and, if so, which one.
An online GP consultation for antidepressants suits many people but is not appropriate for everyone. Read the points below before you book.
You may be able to get an antidepressant prescription online if you:
Please seek more appropriate support if you:
There is no single approach that works for everyone. The table below outlines the main options so you can have an informed conversation with your GP.
| Treatment option | What it may help with | Important notes |
|---|---|---|
| Antidepressant prescription (online GP) | Moderate to severe depression, generalised anxiety disorder, panic disorder and some other conditions where medication is clinically appropriate. | Prescribed only after a full GP assessment. tapGP can issue a private prescription via a same-day online mental health consultation. |
| Talking therapies (CBT or counselling) | Mild to moderate depression and anxiety; building long-term coping strategies. | Can be used alone or alongside medication. Available on the NHS via self-referral to IAPT services or privately. |
| NHS GP appointment | Full range of mental health presentations including first-time assessments and ongoing medication reviews. | Free at point of use but waiting times vary. Your NHS GP can refer to community mental health teams if needed. |
| Urgent or crisis care | Immediate danger, feeling unsafe, suicidal thoughts or severe deterioration. | Call 999, go to A&E or call NHS 111 for urgent mental health help. |
Our straightforward three-step process means you can speak to a GP and receive a prescription the same day where appropriate. Find out more about our mental health treatment pathway.
Answer a few quick questions about your symptoms and medical history. This helps us confirm that an online consultation is the right route for you before you book.
2-minute check
Your GP will conduct a thorough clinical assessment by secure video or phone. They will discuss your symptoms, current medications and any concerns to decide whether an antidepressant is appropriate and which one to prescribe.
Doctor-led assessment
Where clinically appropriate, your private prescription is sent electronically to a pharmacy or directly to your phone so you can order your medication straight away. Follow-up is arranged to monitor your progress.
Safe ongoing caretapGP is registered with the Care Quality Commission. Every consultation is led by a qualified UK GP and follows current NICE clinical guidelines.
Answers to the questions our patients ask most often before booking their consultation.
Complete our short suitability check and book a same-day consultation with a UK GP. Find out more about our full range of online mental health care options available at tapGP.
Start 2-minute suitability check Private prescriptions are issued only where clinically appropriate.