If you think antidepressants may help, our CQC-regulated GPs can assess your symptoms, discuss your options and issue a private prescription — all from home, without a lengthy NHS wait. Your mental health matters, and getting the right support should be straightforward.
Yes. A CQC-regulated private GP service such as tapGP can assess your symptoms during a secure video or phone consultation and, where clinically appropriate, issue a private prescription for antidepressants. The prescription is sent electronically to a pharmacy of your choice, so you can collect or request delivery without leaving home. The process typically takes less time than a single NHS GP appointment, and you can often be seen the same day you book.
tapGP's doctors follow current NICE clinical guidelines when recommending antidepressant therapy. If our GPs determine that medication is the right step, they will explain the treatment options, discuss expected timelines, potential side effects and any monitoring requirements. You can explore the full range of support we offer through our online mental health assessments page.
tapGP is designed for adults experiencing low mood, anxiety or depression who want a clinical assessment and, where appropriate, prescription treatment — without waiting weeks for an NHS slot.
Adults who are struggling with their mental health and want timely, doctor-led support.
Some situations require face-to-face or urgent specialist care — your safety is always the priority.
A GP will consider your full symptom picture before recommending any treatment. The table below outlines common approaches — it is not a substitute for clinical advice.
| Treatment option | What it may help with | Important notes |
|---|---|---|
| SSRIs (e.g. sertraline, fluoxetine, escitalopram) | Depression, generalised anxiety disorder, social anxiety, panic disorder and OCD | Usually the first-line choice per NICE guidelines. May take 4–6 weeks to show full effect. Our GPs can assess suitability as part of your online mental health assessment. |
| SNRIs (e.g. venlafaxine, duloxetine) | Depression, anxiety disorders and certain chronic pain conditions | An alternative when SSRIs have not been effective or tolerated. Blood pressure monitoring may be recommended at higher doses. |
| Talking therapies (CBT, counselling) | Mild-to-moderate depression and anxiety, building long-term coping strategies | NICE recommends psychological therapy alongside or instead of medication for many people. tapGP GPs can advise on self-referral to NHS IAPT or private options. |
| 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 go from first enquiry to prescription in a single day. Learn more about our full mental health treatment pathway.
Answer a short set of questions about your symptoms, medical history and any current medications. This takes around two minutes and helps us match you with the right GP for your needs.
2-minute check
Your GP will conduct a thorough clinical assessment via secure video or phone call. They will discuss your symptoms in detail, explore treatment options and answer all your questions about antidepressant therapy.
Doctor-led assessment
If medication is clinically appropriate, your private prescription is sent electronically to your chosen pharmacy. Your GP will also outline a follow-up and monitoring plan to support your recovery safely.
Safe ongoing caretapGP is regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Every antidepressant prescription is issued by a UK-registered GP following current NICE guidelines — your safety underpins every decision we make.
Answers to the questions our patients ask most often before their first consultation.
You do not have to keep waiting. tapGP's CQC-regulated GPs can assess your symptoms today and, where clinically appropriate, provide a private antidepressant prescription — all from home. Find out more about our full range of support on our online mental health care page.
Start 2-minute suitability check Private prescriptions are issued only where clinically appropriate.