A UK-registered GP can assess your symptoms and, where clinically appropriate, prescribe antidepressants through a private online consultation. No long NHS waits and no in-person appointment needed.
In the UK, antidepressants are prescription-only medicines. You need to speak to a doctor — either through your NHS GP or a CQC-regulated private GP service like tapGP — who will assess your symptoms and decide whether medication is clinically appropriate. If it is, a prescription is issued and you collect your medication from a pharmacy. The whole process can be completed online in a single day through tapGP, without leaving home.
tapGP offers confidential online mental health assessments with UK-registered GPs who are experienced in assessing depression and anxiety. Where antidepressants are appropriate, a private prescription is sent electronically to a pharmacy near you or by post. Your GP will also discuss other treatment options such as talking therapies and lifestyle changes as part of a complete care plan.
Our GPs use a structured clinical assessment to determine whether antidepressants are suitable for your needs. The points below give a general guide — the suitability check takes only two minutes.
Antidepressant assessment through tapGP may be appropriate if you:
tapGP may not be able to help and you should seek alternative support if you:
Antidepressants are one of several evidence-based treatments for depression and anxiety. Your GP will help you decide which option or combination of options is right for you.
| Treatment option | What it may help with | Important notes |
|---|---|---|
| Antidepressants (SSRIs/SNRIs) | Moderate to severe depression, generalised anxiety disorder, panic disorder and some other conditions | Prescription required. Effects typically take two to four weeks. A GP assessment is needed — available through our online mental health service. |
| Talking therapy (CBT) | Mild to moderate depression and anxiety, negative thought patterns and behavioural avoidance | Can be combined with medication. Available via NHS IAPT self-referral or private therapists. Not a quick fix — typically six to twenty sessions. |
| Lifestyle changes | Mild symptoms, supporting recovery alongside other treatment | Exercise, sleep hygiene and reduced alcohol can meaningfully improve mood. Beneficial as part of any treatment plan but rarely sufficient alone for moderate or severe symptoms. |
| 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 simple three-step process means you can have a GP consultation and, where appropriate, a prescription on the same day. Learn more about our mental health treatment pathway.
Answer a few short questions about your symptoms, medical history and any current medication. This takes around two minutes and helps your GP prepare for your consultation.
2-minute check
Your GP will carry out a thorough clinical assessment of your mental health by video or phone. They will discuss your symptoms, treatment history and the options available to you including medication and therapy.
Doctor-led assessment
If antidepressants are clinically appropriate, your GP will issue a private prescription sent electronically to your chosen pharmacy or by post. Your GP will advise on dosage, side effects and follow-up care.
Safe ongoing caretapGP is registered with and regulated by the Care Quality Commission. Every prescription is issued only after a full GP-led clinical assessment.
If you have a question that is not answered below, our GPs are happy to discuss it during your consultation.
Take the two-minute suitability check and book a same-day consultation with a UK-registered GP. Find out more about our online mental health care page or start your check now.
Start 2-minute suitability check Private prescriptions are issued only where clinically appropriate.