A young person with a dark skin tone and very short black dreadlocks is smiling at a person whose blurred shape we can just see near the right side of the picture. The smiling person is wearing a purple jumper and they are using sign language, making y shapes with both hands, back of hands to the viewer.

Support is here for you

If you are Deaf, deaf or Deafblind, finding mental health support can sometimes feel harder than it should.

These page explain how to access mental health support in Leeds, including services that offer help in British Sign Language (BSL), by text, email, video, or with an interpreter.

Get mental health support through your GP

Your GP can help you access NHS mental health support, including counselling and talking therapies. 

You can ask for:

  • counselling with a hearing therapist and a BSL interpreter
  • therapy provided directly in BSL through SignHealth

Research shows that therapy in BSL works better for many Deaf BSL users.

Both options are free on the NHS.

If your GP is not familiar with BSL therapy, you can ask them to contact SignHealth for advice and guidance.

Talking to your GP about your mental health

GPs are trained and experienced in supporting people with their mental health and regularly see people experiencing mental health problems. Around one third of all GP appointments are related to mental health.

Your GP can offer advice and support, refer you to NHS mental health services, or help you access talking therapies.

You can also ask for communication support during appointments, such as:

  • extra appointment time
  • a BSL interpreter
  • written follow-up information
  • communication by text or email where possible

If you are not getting the communication support you need, you can ask the surgery to review your access needs or to contact an advocacy service on your behalf. You can also change GP surgery if you are still unhappy.

You have the right to communicate in the way that works best for you.

Other pages you may find helpful:

Your right to accessible information

NHS services must follow the Accessible Information Standard.

This means they should:

  • provide a BSL interpreter or other communication support if you need one
  • share information in an accessible format (for example, email or text instead of phone calls)
  • contact you in the way you prefer

This applies to both physical and mental health care.

You can ask your GP surgery to record your communication needs in your notes so staff understand how to support you.

Thank you to the local organisations and community members who helped make these pages.

Last updated: March 2026