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Trusted Therapists for Anxiety: How to Choose One in the UK
- If you’re looking for an anxiety therapist, pay attention to accreditation, specialisation in anxiety disorders, professional experience, and therapeutic approaches.
- Accrediting associations in the UK include the UKCP, BACP, HCPC, GMC, BMA, and others.
- If you feel valued during therapy sessions, notice progress, and develop an emotional connection, this means you’ve found the right specialist for you.
Mental health conditions like anxiety are on the rise, in the UK and across the globe. An NHS study reports that generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) affected around 7.5% of adults in 2023/2024, in the UK alone. For people already dealing with anxiety and related issues, having to search for the right therapist can be an unnecessary extra burden. Different therapy styles, credentials, degrees, formats, clinical experiences — where do you even start?
Searching for the “best therapist” can mean many different things. While long waiting lists and higher price tags can be a sign of a good therapist, in this guide, we focus on experts who are properly qualified, experienced, supported by clinical practice and academic training.
People usually look for anxiety specialists to understand the underlying thinking patterns and change these unhealthy behaviour strategies. This article is here to help: below you’ll find certified psychologists and psychiatrists who work with a spectrum of anxiety disorders and comorbid conditions, along with short overviews of their background, experience, and therapeutic approach. In addition, more info is available in our Providers Catalogue — to support you in making a safe and informed choice for your mental health.
Criteria for Selecting The Best Anxiety Therapists
The most important thing is to find a specialist you feel comfortable with. On the surface, this kind of emotional match may look like a lucky coincidence. But behind the scenes, it’s the result of multiple factors — and above all, the therapist’s expertise. That’s why, for this list, we used several criteria to evaluate professional skills:
- Accreditation and membership in UK professional associations.
In the UK, the most authoritative institutions include:
— the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP),
— the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP),
— the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC),
— the General Medical Council (GMC),
— the British Medical Association (BMA),
— the British Psychological Society (BPS),
— the Association of Clinical Psychologists (ACP UK).
- Demonstrated specialisation in anxiety disorders.
Many therapists offer support for a wide range of mental health disorders, however, anxiety treatment requires a specific, tailored approach.
- Toolkit of evidence-based therapy approaches.
For anxiety disorders, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) — especially third-wave CBTs, exposure-based and relaxation therapies have shown particular effectiveness.
- Clinical experience and scope of professional practice.
Priority was given to therapists with more extensive practical experience.
- Ethical standards, client-centred approach.
A specialist must follow ethical codes set by professional associations, and besides that, empathy and soft skills are often just as important.
- Variety of formats: online, in-person, or hybrid.
We believe that therapy should be available when and where you need it.
Experienced Specialists for Anxiety
Important note: a general practitioner (GP) referral is often required to book a consultation with a psychiatrist, so direct booking may not always be available.
Dr Guy Hillman
Consultant psychiatrist, medical psychotherapist
Qualification: Member of the General Medical Council (GMC), Member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists (MRCPsych), registered specialist in both General Adult Psychiatry and Medical Psychotherapy
Education & Experience: Specialist qualifications in forensic psychiatry and medical psychotherapy, clinical experience as a psychiatrist in the NHS since 2004
Therapeutic approach: Psychoanalytic, psychodynamic frameworks, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), mentalisation-based therapy
Format: Online, in-person in London
Best for: Multidimensional medical perspective on diagnosis and treatment
Dr Robin Lawrence
Consultant psychiatrist
Qualification: Member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists (MRCPsych), Member of the Royal Colleges of Physicians (MRCP UK)
Education & Experience: Diploma in Medicine and Surgery at Birmingham University, senior mental health professional in the NHS and in private practice, Director of 96 Harley Street medical practice, PSE-trained
Therapeutic approach: Combination of psychiatric medication management and psychotherapeutic work
Format: In-person, at the clinic in London
Best for: Treatment of chronic or overlapping mental health conditions
Dr Liz White
Consultant clinical psychologist
Qualification: Registered with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC), chartered with the British Psychological Society (BPS), Chartered Scientist with the Science Council
Education & Experience: BSc (Hons) Psychology with Clinical Psychology at the University of Kent, Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the University of Hertfordshire, 16 years in NHS mental health services
Therapeutic approach: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), psychodynamic and mindfulness approaches
Format: Online, in-person in London and Hertfordshire
Best for: Treating specifically OCD or anxiety marked by intrusive thoughts and overthinking
Dr Pablo Jeczmien
Consultant psychiatrist, psychotherapist
Qualification: FRCPsych – Fellow of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, Member of the General Medical Council (GMC), Member of the British Medical Association (BMA)
Education & Experience: MD, Diploma in Health Management, Consultant Psychiatrist in General Adult Psychiatry for the Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
Therapeutic approach: Combination of psychological intervention (therapy, counselling, coaching), medication, and functional medicine (gut health and nutrition)
Format: Online, in-person in London and Sussex
Best for: Complex approach for lasting improvements in anxiety treatment
Ryan Marcovich
Psychiatrist, integrative therapist
Qualification: Member of the British Psychological Society (BPS), accredited with the Association for Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (AREBT) and the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapists (BABCP)
Education & Experience: Diploma in Psychology, a Certificate in Counselling Skills, a Master’s degree in RECBT, currently undergoing Doctoral training as a Counselling Psychologist
Therapeutic approach: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Rational-Emotive Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (RECBT), psychodynamic therapy
Format: In-person in London
Best for: Deep, focused work with specific types of anxiety — health anxiety, social anxiety, OCD, panic disorder, phobias
Hema Patel
Psychotherapist
Qualification: Accredited with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)
Education & Experience: Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling, PGCE in low-intensity psychological interventions, additional training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, 15 years of professional work experience
Therapeutic approach: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), relaxation and mindfulness techniques
Format: Online, in-person in Northampton
Best for: Trying and blending different therapeutic modalities
Alice Jelinek
Psychotherapist
Qualification: Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), working towards accreditation with Pink Therapy
Education & Experience: Experienced in working with young people and with neurodiversity, physical disability, polyamory, and GSRD (gender, sexual and relationship diversity), drug harm reduction volunteer at UK festivals
Therapeutic approach: Humanistic and integrative practices, focus on diversity and inclusion
Format: Online, in-person in Leeds
Best for: Establishing warm, non-judgmental, and authentic relationships
Find Trusted & Verified Therapists with Us
United Kingdom 
Integrative counselling and psychotherapy offering online and in-person sessions in Exeter for anxiety, depression, stress, and relationship issues.
United Kingdom Francesca Sciandra is an integrative psychotherapeutic counsellor, hypnotherapist and couples therapist providing online and occasional in‑person intensive therapy.
Online vs In-Person Anxiety Therapy
With online therapy becoming easier to access, many people wonder whether video sessions and chat support can match the benefits of face-to-face therapy? Research has an answer: there are no significant differences in the effectiveness of the two methods.
This holds true, in particular, for cognitive behavioural therapy and solution-focused brief therapy, both studied specifically in participants with mild or moderate anxiety. Based on that, researchers suggest that online treatment should be even considered a first-line intervention for anxiety disorders, due to its accessibility and comfort.
Nevertheless, in some cases, in-person therapy may be preferable. It’s recommended for acute and severe conditions, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder (they can overlap with anxiety), when close personal monitoring is needed. Moreover, offline in-person sessions give both sides access to subtle nonverbal communication and tactile experiences essential for a deeper, more intimate conversation.
How to Find Your Anxiety Therapist Step by Step
Choosing from hundreds of “best psychologists for anxiety” in search results may take days. But if you know what to pay attention to, the process becomes much simpler and more straightforward. Here are practical recommendations:
Step 1. Define your primary symptoms and personal triggers.
The symptoms of anxiety look different from person to person: some people can’t stop worrying or overthinking, others feel dizzy or lightheaded, while some experience panic attacks and derealisation. In addition, these symptoms can be triggered by various situations that a person finds uncomfortable, like critical feedback, tight deadlines, or crowded places. Identifying personal patterns is helpful for comparing them with a therapist’s profile, and for your first therapy session.
Step 2. Choose between a therapist, a psychologist, and a psychiatrist.
These specialists differ in qualifications, training, and treatment scope.
Therapists typically have a master’s degree and practical training in social work, counselling, psychotherapy or nursing, offer broad support for mental health, and use a range of behavioural and cognitive interventions, such as CBT, psychoanalytic and mindfulness approaches.
Clinical psychologists typically hold a doctoral degree (DClinPsy), have a broader therapeutic toolkit, and may have gained experience through supervised practice in settings such as psychiatric hospitals and correctional services. But neither psychologists nor therapists are medical practitioners; they aren’t trained in general medicine and cannot prescribe medication.
Mental health nurses can prescribe medications if they hold the prescriber designation and have experience in both the mental and physical effects of psychiatric conditions. They provide holistic patient care, including assessments, therapy sessions, and crisis intervention, and in some cases, they may diagnose mental health disorders.
Psychiatrists, on the other hand, are medical doctors who specialise in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of psychiatric and developmental issues. They are medical providers who observe both mental and physical effects of a disorder, and the only anxiety specialists with prescribing rights — to complement your treatment with medication, if needed.
Step 3. Check licenses and anxiety-specific experience.
Practising professionals must have certification or accreditation from a national professional body, such as the above-mentioned UKCP, HCPC, or others. This is important because, as licensed professionals, they are bound to current ethical guidelines that are in place to protect their clients.
Therapists often highlight their statuses in portfolios and expert profiles, as well as their specialisation and therapeutic methods. If “anxiety treatment” is listed only broadly or alongside other conditions, you can always contact the specialist directly and ask for more details.
Step 4. Look into evidence-based therapies for anxiety.
A 2023 systematic review in JAMA Psychiatry describes cognitive behavioural therapy as one of the most effective for treating anxiety. Other treatments with noticeable outcomes include relaxation therapy and third-wave CBTs: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), and others. Beyond traditional approaches, psychedelic-assisted therapy (in particular, involving ketamine and medical cannabis) shows promising results for patients with overlapping anxiety and depression.
For individuals experiencing anxiety as a result of traumatic events, modalities such as eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) and somatic experiencing have also been shown to be efficacious. Based on research, you may want to look for therapists who are skilled in these therapeutic modalities.
Step 5. Book your first consultation.
Decide on a session format and time that works for you. Contact your potential therapist: many offer a free 20-minute introductory call to talk through your goals and expectations, giving you time to check the fit before making any commitments.
Green Flags and Red Flags
If it’s your first therapy session, the initial contact can feel emotionally heavy. What questions are worth asking? What signs and reactions to look for? We explored Reddit threads and pulled together insightful tips and interesting observations from patients and therapists:
Questions to ask before starting anxiety therapy
- What types of anxiety disorders and co-occurring conditions (such as depression, PTSD, and addiction) do you specialise in?
- What experience and training do you have in treating symptoms similar to mine?
- What therapeutic modalities do you use, and why do you recommend them?
- What can I expect from our sessions? What does the therapy process usually look like?
- What happens if I need to cancel or miss a session?
- How do you track progress during therapy?
- How long does anxiety therapy usually take, and how will I know that it’s complete?
Red Flags
1. Quick fix claims in the therapist’s profile.
“‘Transform your life fast’ or ‘You’ll feel better after 4 to 6 sessions’ … Pure marketing trick.”
2. Broadly trained practitioner without a clearly defined approach.
“A laundry list of therapeutic modalities is a huge red flag.”
3. Overusing psychological and marketing terminology.
“My therapist had some modalities listed in her profile, but when I asked about them, she didn’t know what I was referencing.” “Excessive use of ‘buzz words’ and ‘pop psychology’ sounds alarming.”
4. Lack of transparency or info.
“Not having any information about education, fees, specialisation — just a waste of everyone’s time.”
Green Flags
1. You feel connected and emotionally safe.
“Clients came to me because they saw my photo with my goat, not a fake official AI headshot, and figured I would understand their bond with animals.” “Boundaries are always respected on both sides.”
2. Your thoughts and experiences are valued.
“(A therapist) adjusted her techniques as we went to suit my needs.” “I’m looking for a meaningful, professionally evaluated conversation, not a job interview with a questionnaire.”
3. Consent and control.
“Top green flag: my therapist’s focus on consent in therapy. She asks if I’m OK with her questions. It lets me have the space to accept what is happening and be autonomous enough to be in the driver’s seat regarding our sessions.”
4. You notice progress after sessions.
“He gave me a greater understanding of what was going on from the start, and based work on clearly identified objectives.” “My recent T is there to check on my progress.”
Anxiety Therapist Checklist
To wrap up all the recommendations, here’s a practical checklist to guide your choice. When reviewing a therapist’s profile, consider whether they offer:
- Valid and current license as a mental health professional
- Membership in recognised UK professional associations
- Proven experience treating anxiety disorders
- Focused set of evidence-based therapeutic modalities
- Relevant education and training in mental health care
- Transparent communication: contacts, fees, approaches, progress tracking, etc.
- Clear and accessible booking process
- Session formats that feel comfortable and flexible
- Goal-oriented, structured treatment plan
- Focus on a collaborative relationship
- Empathy over a polished professional CV
Meet Therapists Who Match Your Goals
Ireland Noel Comer is an integrative psychotherapist based in Galway, Ireland, offering psychotherapy and specialised support for the preparation and integration of psychedelic experiences.
United Kingdom Accredited psychotherapist offering integrative therapy and group facilitation in London and online across multiple languages
Effective therapy is built on a strong emotional connection between a client and a therapist. This relationship can noticeably influence the outcome of your therapy: a growing body of research shows that the “therapist effect” plays a key role in therapy progress.
If you’ve already found a practitioner who meets you with empathy, respect, and understanding, congratulations! But if you’re still searching, this list can help you narrow your options. Most importantly, the best anxiety therapist isn’t the one with the longest list of credentials, but the one whose approach truly fits your needs.
FAQ
Expert Board Member
This guide demystifies the process of finding anxiety treatment in the UK. It provides the criteria that can be used for evaluating therapist credentials, explains differences between the roles and training of different mental health professionals, and offers evidence-based guidance on therapeutic approaches. The examples make this an invaluable resource for anyone seeking anxiety support.
