If anxiety is affecting your daily life, our CQC-regulated GPs can assess your symptoms and discuss whether medication is clinically appropriate for you. Book a confidential video or phone consultation today — no NHS waiting list.
Yes. A private GP can assess your anxiety symptoms during a secure video or phone consultation and, where clinically appropriate, issue a prescription for anxiety medication. Common treatments include SSRIs such as sertraline or citalopram, SNRIs and, in some cases, short-term options such as beta-blockers or buspirone. Medication is never prescribed automatically — your GP will take a full history, discuss your symptoms and agree a treatment plan with you.
tapGP is a CQC-regulated service offering online mental health assessments and prescriptions for anxiety where appropriate. If your GP recommends medication, your private prescription is sent electronically so you can collect it from any UK pharmacy or have it delivered.
Our GPs carry out a thorough assessment before discussing any treatment. The points below give a general guide to suitability — your GP will make the final clinical decision.
Adults experiencing anxiety who meet the criteria below are often good candidates for an online consultation and prescription.
Some situations require in-person care or urgent intervention. Please read the points below carefully.
There are several evidence-based approaches to treating anxiety. Your GP will help you decide which is most appropriate for your situation.
| Treatment option | What it may help with | Important notes |
|---|---|---|
| SSRI or SNRI medication | Generalised anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety and OCD-related anxiety | First-line treatment recommended by NICE guidelines. Takes two to six weeks to reach full effect. Prescribed only after GP assessment via our online mental health assessments. |
| Beta-blockers (e.g. propranolol) | Short-term relief of physical anxiety symptoms such as rapid heartbeat and tremor | Not suitable for everyone. Your GP will check for contraindications including asthma and low blood pressure before prescribing. |
| Talking therapies (CBT) | Changing unhelpful thought patterns and behaviours that maintain anxiety | NICE recommends CBT as a first-line treatment. Can be used alongside medication or as a standalone approach. Your GP can advise on referral. |
| Buspirone | Generalised anxiety disorder in adults where SSRIs have not been suitable | Non-addictive anxiolytic. Takes several weeks to work. Requires careful assessment before prescribing. |
| 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 suitability check to prescription in as little as one day. Learn more about our mental health treatment pathway to understand what to expect.
Answer a short set of questions about your anxiety symptoms, medical history and any current medications. This takes around two minutes and helps your GP prepare for your consultation.
2-minute check
A UK-registered GP will conduct a thorough assessment of your symptoms. They will discuss your options, answer your questions and decide together with you whether medication or another treatment is appropriate.
Doctor-led assessment
If medication is appropriate, your private prescription is sent electronically to your phone. Your GP will also discuss follow-up care, dosage guidance and what to do if your symptoms change.
Safe ongoing caretapGP is fully regulated and follows UK clinical guidelines on anxiety treatment. Here is what that means for you.
Find answers to the most common questions about getting an anxiety prescription from an online GP in the UK.
You do not have to wait months for support. tapGP offers same-week consultations with experienced GPs who can assess your anxiety and discuss treatment options including medication where appropriate. Find out more about our online mental health care page.
Start 2-minute suitability check Private prescriptions are issued only where clinically appropriate.