Mental health support services

On this page you will find information about the local and national mental health services and support for children, young people, and adults. Some services you can access by self-referral. Others need an assessment by your GP. Some are free online services.

Mental Health Improvement and Wellbeing Service

The Mental Health Improvement and Wellbeing Service supports people to take control of their mental and physical health. The service is open to anyone, over the age of 16, who is able and motivated to make positive changes in your life.

It uses a person-centred approach to work with you to identify ways to make you feel better and connect you with other resources that can support you. This approach is based around you and your own needs, preferences and priorities.

You can refer yourself refer to this service.

This service is commissioned, funded, and provided by Aberdeenshire Health and Social Care Partnership.

Community Mental Health Team

Our Community Mental Health Team provides support for people experiencing serious mental health difficulties. You may at risk of significant harm, neglect, distress, or loss of independence.

Your GP needs to refer you to this service.

Togetherall

Togetherall is an online mental health support service for anyone over 16, struggling with common life stressors or mental health challenges. It is a safe space with therapeutic resources and online peer support. The service is free to use and is available 24/7, all year round.

The Togetherall community is anonymous, but to access it you need to register. During registration, select ‘My area is registered’ and enter your postcode. You will then be asked to create a completely anonymous user account.

This service is commissioned and funded by Aberdeenshire Health and Social Care Partnership.

Kooth

Kooth is a free online counselling service for young people aged 10 to 18 years.

It provides secure access to:

• support with emotional health and wellbeing needs from qualified counsellors
• self-help tools
• self-help articles, many written by users of the service
• moderated, scheduled forums

You can access the service anonymously by a login. It is available 7 days a week, 365 days a year. One to one support is available from noon to 10pm, weekdays and 6pm to 10pm, Saturday and Sundays.

This service is commissioned and funded by Aberdeenshire Health and Social Care Partnership and accredited by The British Association of Psychotherapy and Counselling (BACP).

Self-help App for the Mind

Self-help App for the Mind (SAM) is a wellbeing app to help you monitor and manage your mental health, with self-help techniques to help with anxiety, depression, loneliness and coping.

Local support

Use ALISS and Scotland’s Service Directory to find help and support close to you when you need it most. You can search by postcode or area, and filter on specific types of services, organisations, or areas of interest.

VSA offers support and advice to unpaid carers looking after someone with a mental illness in Aberdeenshire.

Pillar Kincardine support for people who are coping with serious emotional, social, or mental health challenges. It is for adults living in Kincardine and Mearns.

Networks of Wellbeing (NoW) provides support for people to improve their mental health and wellbeing. NoW are based in Huntly.

National support

If you're having problems with anger or stress, having trouble sleeping, or struggling to cope NHS 24's Get help with your mental health guide can help you find support.

Breathing Space is a free, confidential phone and webchat service for anyone feeling low, anxious or depressed, or are worried about someone else. Their website has information and support to help you when it is difficult to cope with everyday life.

Mind to Mind offers support if you’re feeling anxious, stressed, or low, or having problems sleeping or dealing with grief – find out how you can improve your mental wellbeing by hearing what others have found helpful.

If you’re having a difficult time or are worried about someone else and need immediate support the Samaritans can help.

Contact us

If you need more information on mental health and wellbeing services, please phone 03456 08 12 06.