Guided Self Help is provided by two different organisations, which cover Lothian other than East Lothian. These are separate services and are available for those living in:
- Edinburgh and Midlothian – provided by Health in Mind
- West Lothian – provided by Living Life (see Breathing Space website)
Edinburgh and Midlothian – HEALTH IN MIND
The Guided Self-Help Service offers one-to-one support over four sessions (across 4 to 8 weeks) to access self-help materials based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) techniques. This service is for anyone aged 18 or over who lives in the Edinburgh and Midlothian area, who are experiencing mild to moderate depression, anxiety, stress and/or sleep problems.
The service is most helpful for people who are looking for self-management techniques to manage their own wellbeing. They must be motivated to commit time to complete the materials between sessions, with an aim to bring about positive change in their lives.
This service is available Monday to Friday from 9am-5pm.
For further information, please see the Guided Self Help page on the Health in Mind website.
West Lothian – LIVING LIFE
Guided Self Help is available in West Lothian through the Living Life Guided Self-Help service (CBT with a self-help coach).
Self-help coaches guide the patient over the phone through a series of self-help workbooks to help understanding round why they are feeling low, depressed or anxious. Sessions take place over a period of approximately 4-8 weeks, at a time suitable to the patient.
There is an initial assessment appointment arranged to discuss the service and how help can be provided. (Note – some mobile phone operators may charge for calls – but if calling from a mobile please let the team know and they can call back).
West Lothian – self referral on the free, confidential phone line: 0800 328 9655 (Mon-Fri 1pm to 9pm) or GP referral. Please see the Breathing Space website for further detail.
KG,CH & CM 29/12/25
Who can refer:
- Edinburgh – GP, GP Link Worker via GP or accompanied by GP letter, MHN, Thrive Team
- Midlothian – Through Midlothian Access Point or internally through Health in Mind enquiry pathways
- West Lothian – self referral on the free, confidential phone line: 0800 328 9655 (Mon-Fri 1pm to 9pm) or GP referral.
Who to refer:
Mild to moderate anxiety and/or depression and stress for those aged over 18 only.
Who not to refer:
Those who:
- Have GAD7 or PHQ9 scores over 15
- Have made plans to act on thoughts of suicide in the past 6 months.
- Have any current addictions e.g. substances, gambling or alcohol
- Have longstanding mental health difficulties such as schizophrenia or complex PTSD
- Have relationship issues as their primary problem.
How to refer:
Edinburgh: email referral form to: loth.edinburghgsh@nhs.scot
Midlothian: Call Midlothian Access point on 07779 565607 or enquire through the HIM website https://health-in-mind.org.uk/enquiry-form/
West Lothian – self referral on the free, confidential phone line: 0800 328 9655 (Mon-Fri 1pm to 9pm) or GP referral. Please see the Breathing Space website for further detail.
Edinburgh Guided Self Help Referral Form Dec 2025
www.health-in-mind.org.uk (Edinburgh and Midlothian)
Breathing Space website (West Lothian)
