Understand NHS Mental Health Pathways and How to Access Support

You or someone close needs help and the routes in are a maze: self-referral, GP, crisis lines, all with different waits. This explains the difference between Talking Therapies self-referral, a GP route and crisis services, then walks the stages from assessment to treatment. You give the concern; it shows you the fastest sensible way in and what happens at each step.

<context>
You or someone you care for is experiencing {MENTAL_HEALTH_CONCERN} and you want to access NHS mental health support but are unsure where to start, how long it will take, or what to expect.
</context>

<task>
**Map the NHS mental health access pathway**:
1. Explain the difference between IAPT/Talking Therapies self-referral, GP referral, and crisis services
2. Describe what to expect at each stage: assessment, waiting list, treatment options
3. Explain the NHS waiting time standards for mental health and what to do if you are waiting too long
4. Identify interim self-help and crisis support options while waiting
5. Explain how to advocate for yourself or your family member if you feel you are not being taken seriously
</task>

<output_format>
- Pathway overview (numbered steps)
- Waiting time standards in plain language
- Interim support options (bullets with brief description of each)
- Self-advocacy script: 2-3 sentences to use with a GP or mental health team
</output_format>