Many patients who want either a quicker service or more prolonged treatment than can be provided by the NHS turn to private community services which include physiotherapy and podiatry. More information can be found under Private physiotherapy and Private podiatry. You can contact such services directly yourself. We do not make specific recommendations on local private services.

From Mind
If you want to find a Non-NHS therapist,  Mind have produced very helpful guidance on options beyond the usual NHS options (How to find a therapist – Mind) which includes private therapists. If you scroll down this link, you will find information on

• Therapists at your place of work or education
• Charity and third sector therapists
• Private therapist

You do not normally need any GP referral to access private counselling (The one exception may be if an insurance company insists on this, but this is now unusual as it delays your appointment).

Some procedures are not normally covered on the NHS. There is more information on what conditions/ procedures may not be covered under the section Conditions Which May Not Be Funded On The NHS (Hospital). If funding (and thus NHS care) is likely to be rejected some patients will chose to go privately. There is more information on private care under Cosmetic, Minor surgery and Support from private medical care. Contact details for local private hospitals can be found under Local Contact Details and Service Finder.

Private care can be a complex world to understand. Some of the questions commonly asked of GPs about private medical care (hospital based) are included under the section Principles and support from private medical care (principles of care). This covers the dividing line between private care and NHS care. These principles are worth reviewing if you are having some private care.