NHS App could offer AI-driven mental health support

Patients will get better access to mental health support through the NHS App under the 10 year health plan, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has announced.

In a press release, published on 27 June 2025, DHSC said that people will be able to self-refer for talking therapies without the need for a GP appointment.

It adds that the NHS App will offer a free service “built by trusted clinicians to help give all mental health patients the care they need”, laying the foundation for patients to access mental health support and advice 24 hours a day, seven days a week through the app.

This could include “opening the door to things like AI-driven virtual support” as a first port of call, or health and wellbeing advice which is only currently accessible through paid-for apps.

Wes Streeting, health secretary, said: “Not getting the right support for your mental health isn’t just debilitating, it can hit a painful pause button on your life – stopping you working, enjoying time with family and friends, or living day-to-day life.

“Patients have faced the crisis of access to mental health services for far too long, and this government is determined to change that through our Plan for Change to rebuild the NHS.

“That’s why we’re putting digital front doors on mental health services for patients up and down the country and harnessing technology to provide 24-hour care.

“And we’re creating more opportunities for support not just through the NHS App but through care in your community too.”

The reforms come at a time where mental health conditions are becoming more prevalent, with an adult psychiatric survey published this week showing that more than 22% of 16-to-64-year-olds have common mental conditions, up from 17% in 2007.

Alongside digital advances, 85 new dedicated mental health emergency departments will be built with £120 million secured in the recent Spending Review.

Alongside this, a Neighbourhood Mental Health Model, providing open access to specialist services and holistic support in community locations is being piloted in six locations.

Further plans for mental health due to be set out in the 10 year health plan include utilising developments in pharmacogenomics, providing patients with personalised prescriptions and treatments.

The public are also encouraged to take positive actions to look after their own mental health, including through creating a personalised “Mind Plan” on the Every Mind Matters NHS website.

DHSC has also announced plans for the NHS App to feature an AI tool aimed at reducing health inequalities and a feature which will allow patients to browse and sign up to clinical trials.