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Patient speaking to an online GP about anxiety and depression treatment
UK online GP mental health care

Online anxiety and depression treatment from a UK GP

Anxiety and depression are among the most common reasons people seek GP support in the UK. tapGP offers a confidential, clinician-led assessment and — where appropriate — treatment from a CQC-regulated private GP service.

  • Private GP consultation by video or phone — same day or next day
  • Clinically led assessment for anxiety, depression or both
  • Prescription sent directly to your phone where appropriate
Start 2-minute suitability check
Rated 4.8 out of 5 on Trustpilot
Not suitable for emergencies or crisis support. If you are in immediate danger, call 999. For urgent help, call NHS 111.

Can I get anxiety and depression treatment online?

Yes. A private GP can assess and, where clinically appropriate, treat anxiety and depression through a secure video or phone consultation. Following a structured clinical assessment — which may include validated tools such as the PHQ-9 for depression and GAD-7 for anxiety — your GP can discuss medication, self-help strategies and referral to talking therapies. Many people receive an initial treatment plan within the same appointment.

tapGP's online mental health assessments are led by experienced UK-registered GPs. If medication is appropriate, a private prescription can be sent electronically to a pharmacy of your choice. Your GP can also write to your NHS GP to ensure your care is coordinated.

Important: This service is for mild to moderate anxiety or depression in adults who are not in immediate crisis. It is not suitable for people who are acutely suicidal, experiencing psychosis or in immediate danger. Please see the suitability section below before booking.
Last reviewed: May 2026 · GP-led clinical content

Is online anxiety and depression treatment right for you?

tapGP is designed for adults experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression who want prompt, private GP-led support. Please read both panels carefully before booking.

May not be suitable if

Some situations require a higher level of in-person or emergency care. Please consider the points below.

  • You are experiencing thoughts of suicide or self-harm right now
  • You are experiencing symptoms of psychosis or severe mood episodes
  • You are under 18 years of age
  • Your symptoms have rapidly worsened over a very short period

Anxiety and depression treatment options compared

There are several recognised approaches to treating anxiety and depression. Your GP will help identify what is most appropriate for your specific situation.

Treatment optionWhat it may help withImportant notes
Antidepressant medication (e.g. SSRIs)Moderate to severe depression and many anxiety disorders including GAD and panic disorderPrescribed only where clinically appropriate. Your GP will discuss benefits, side effects and monitoring requirements. See our online mental health assessments page for more detail.
Talking therapies (CBT and others)Mild to moderate depression and anxiety; developing long-term coping strategiesYour GP can refer you to private therapy or help you access NHS IAPT talking therapy services. Both can work alongside medication.
Lifestyle and self-help supportMild symptoms; supporting recovery alongside other treatmentsStructured exercise, sleep hygiene and guided self-help resources are evidence-based first-line options your GP may recommend.
Urgent or crisis careImmediate danger, feeling unsafe, suicidal thoughts or severe deterioration.Call 999, go to A&E or call NHS 111 for urgent mental health help.
Start 2-minute suitability check A GP will advise on the most appropriate treatment for your symptoms.

How online anxiety and depression treatment works at tapGP

From your first suitability check to receiving a treatment plan, the process is straightforward. Learn more about our mental health treatment pathway and what to expect at each stage.

Book online in minutes Speak by secure video or phone Prescription sent to your phone
1Doctor reviewing an online suitability check for anxiety and depression

Complete a quick suitability check

Answer a few short questions about your symptoms and medical history. This takes around two minutes and helps us confirm that an online GP consultation is the right option for you.

2-minute check
2Man speaking to a private GP by phone about anxiety and depression

Speak with a UK-registered GP

Your GP will conduct a thorough clinical assessment of your anxiety and depression symptoms using recognised tools. They will listen carefully and discuss all suitable treatment options with you.

Doctor-led assessment
3Patient receiving an online prescription and treatment plan on their phone

Receive your treatment plan

Where medication is clinically appropriate, a private prescription is sent electronically to a pharmacy near you. Your GP will also outline any recommended therapy referrals or follow-up care.

Safe ongoing care

Safe, regulated and clinically led

tapGP is a CQC-registered private GP service. Every consultation is conducted by a UK-licensed doctor following evidence-based clinical guidelines.

CQC-regulated servicetapGP is registered with and regulated by the Care Quality Commission, ensuring your care meets the standards required of all UK medical providers.
Same or next day appointmentsWe offer prompt appointments so you do not have to wait weeks to begin addressing your anxiety or depression. Appointments are available seven days a week.
Evidence-based clinical assessmentOur GPs use validated clinical tools including the PHQ-9 and GAD-7 to ensure your symptoms are assessed accurately and your treatment plan is appropriate.
Not a crisis serviceIf you feel unsafe, at risk of self-harm or in immediate danger, call 999, go to A&E or contact NHS 111.

Frequently asked questions about online anxiety and depression treatment

Answers to the questions we hear most often from people considering a private GP consultation for anxiety or depression.

Can a GP diagnose anxiety and depression in an online consultation?+
Yes. UK-registered GPs are trained to assess and diagnose anxiety and depression using structured clinical tools such as the GAD-7 and PHQ-9 questionnaires alongside a full consultation. An online appointment provides the same clinical assessment as an in-person one for most cases of mild to moderate anxiety and depression.
What medication can be prescribed for anxiety and depression online?+
Where clinically appropriate, our GPs can prescribe medications commonly used for anxiety and depression, including SSRIs such as sertraline and escitalopram. The specific medication will depend on your symptoms, medical history and any previous treatments. Medication is never prescribed without a thorough clinical assessment.
How long does it take for antidepressants to work?+
Most antidepressants take two to four weeks to begin having a noticeable effect on mood and anxiety levels, with full benefit often felt after six to eight weeks. Your GP will discuss what to expect and arrange a follow-up to monitor your progress and adjust the dose if needed.
Will my NHS GP be told about my private consultation?+
With your consent, tapGP can write to your NHS GP to ensure your records are kept up to date and your care is joined up. This is particularly important if you are prescribed medication, so that your NHS GP is aware of your treatment plan.
Can I get talking therapy as well as medication through tapGP?+
Your GP can discuss referral to private therapists or help you access NHS talking therapy services such as IAPT. Combining medication and therapy is often the most effective approach for anxiety and depression, and your GP will help you understand what options are available to you.
Is it safe to stop antidepressants suddenly?+
No. Stopping antidepressants abruptly can cause discontinuation symptoms. Your GP will always provide guidance on how to safely reduce or stop medication when the time is right. Never stop prescribed medication without first speaking to a doctor.
When should I seek urgent help?+
If you feel at risk of harming yourself, feel unsafe, have severe symptoms or are in immediate danger, call 999, go to A&E or contact NHS 111 for urgent advice.
Start 2-minute suitability check Medication is prescribed only where clinically appropriate.

Ready to speak to a GP about anxiety or depression?

You do not have to wait weeks for support. tapGP offers same or next day private GP consultations for anxiety and depression, with a clinician-led assessment and — where appropriate — a treatment plan from a CQC-regulated service. Visit our online mental health care page to find out more about what we offer.

Start 2-minute suitability check Private prescriptions are issued only where clinically appropriate.
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