‘I didn’t know where to start’: a quarter of adults in Portsmouth lost in the mental health crisis

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The research, commissioned by mental health platform Finbogo, found that around 1 in 3 people have sought mental health support in the past five years. However, a worrying 67% admitted they didn't know where to start, and around 1 in 3 (30%) said the NHS support they received did not meet their needs.

With 44% of people saying it was difficult to access mental health support through the NHS and 65% citing long waiting times as a major barrier, the strain on the public healthcare system is becoming too much for many to bear.

“This is a silent crisis, and Portsmouth is not immune,” says Henry Anderson, co-founder of Finbogo.

"Too many people in Portsmouth are being left in limbo, either waiting months for help or being handed medication instead of real, personalised support. That’s why we built Finbogo — to connect people directly with therapists they can trust.”

One of those therapists is Mahin Hamidi, a British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) member. She calls on Portsmouth’s residents to stop suffering in silence and seek professional help — the right kind of help — without delay.

“I’ve seen so many people in Portsmouth stuck in long NHS queues or simply given antidepressants as a quick fix,” says Hamidi, founder of private practice Hamidi Healing.

Therapy is not one-size-fits-all. The first step is finding a therapist who truly understands your needs.”

Hamidi, who also volunteers at a local mental health charity and has supported clients with trauma, grief, neurodiversity, addiction, anxiety, and abuse, says many people still don’t realise there are accessible, affordable routes into private therapy — and urges them not to wait until they reach breaking point.

"You wouldn't ignore a physical health issue, and mental health is no different. Whether you're facing loss, burnout, or deeper trauma, the right therapist can change your life. But you have to take that first step.”

The research also shows a clear shift in public confidence in NHS mental health services: only 18% of people would choose NHS care over private therapy if cost wasn't an issue, and 28% say they find it frustrating and confusing to choose a therapist.

“Finbogo is here to support the NHS, not compete with it,” adds Anderson.

"But while the NHS struggles to meet soaring demand, we can give people in Portsmouth the clarity and connection they need to access timely, effective support.”