Mindplace: mental health therapies

Face-to-face or remote mental health support from Bupa practitioners.

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What mental health therapies do Bupa offer?

Mindplace offers professional mental health therapy that fits around your life. You can choose face‑to‑face or remote sessions, so getting support feels easier and more accessible.

It’s normal for your mental health to change. You might be dealing with things like:

anxiety
grief
low mood
other emotional difficulties

If you’re going through a tough time, talking to someone can help. Our therapists and support team will guide you to the right type of therapy for your needs.

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Our talking therapies

How to book Mindplace mental health therapy

If you’re paying for therapy yourself, can can book an initial mental health review online or call 0330 822 3128.

If you have Bupa health insurance, please call 0345 600 5446. Lines are open Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm, and Saturday 8am to 4pm. We may record or monitor our phone calls.

Expert advice on mental health

Shazna Khanom answers common questions about mental health, explores everyday challenges, and explains how to access the support that's right for you.

Transcript

What signs might suggest that someone is struggling with their mental health?

Early signs are often subtle.

They come in different categories,

so you might notice emotional differences like persistent,

low mood, anxiety, irritability, feeling numb,

changes in cognition,

so you might have difficulty concentrating, racing thoughts,

hopelessness or catastrophizing.

You might notice behavioural changes as well.

Changes in sleep, appetite, withdrawing from people.

You might increase the use of alcohol or substance use.

You might miss deadlines.

And then there are a whole host of physical

changes that you might notice.

Headaches, muscle tension, chest tightness, fatigue.

What matters is change

from someone's usual baseline and the duration.

If it lasts more than a couple of weeks

or affects daily life, it's time to talk.

Check in with a simple, I've noticed, you seem different.

How are you doing? That can make a real difference.

If there's any risk of harm to seek urgent support.

How can culture, background, or upbringing influence how a person views mental health?

Culture shapes, language, beliefs,

and are help seeking behaviours.

In some communities, distress is shaped

through physical symptoms.

In others, talking openly may feel taboo.

Respect starts with curiosity and choice.

Ask how someone understands their experience, offer options,

and avoid assumptions.

Culturally sensitive care meets people where they are

and builds trust.

How can stress, workload, or life pressures build up without us noticing?

Stress can creep in through micro pressures.

Too many small tasks, constant notification

and poor recovery time.

We normalise feeling busy, right, and stop noticing changes.

So watch for short fuse reactions, weekend crashes,

or abandoning routines that usually keep you well.

A simple weekly check. How is my sleep?

Energy, patience, connections, help us spot early drift

and reset.

Why do people often delay seeking help when they are struggling?

People may wait for many reasons.

Stigma, self-reliance, thinking they can do it themselves.

Maybe not recognising the symptoms. There's also fear.

Fear of being judged, impacting work,

or making it real by naming it.

Some worry they won't be taken seriously

unless things are really severe.

The truth is early support is often effective and simpler.

Think of it like physio.

Small adjustments now prevent bigger issues later.

What mental health warning signs should friends or colleagues look out for?

Look for noticeable changes, withdraw in missed meetings,

reduced quality of work, tearfulness, irritability,

or when people talk or feeling overwhelmed or empty.

Trust your instincts though.

If something feels off, check in privately. Listen.

Avoid fixing and signpost to support

if you hear anything suggesting risk of harm.

Take action. Follow your organization's safeguarding

policies and take steps to seek urgent support.

How does modern life technology, social media, and fast-paced work affect our mental health?

Technology connects us for the always on culture, fuel.

Stress. Social media can amplify

comparisons and perfectionism.

Fast-paced work, shortens recovery window, the antidote to

that intentional boundaries.

Batch notifications have no scroll windows

and have digital timeout, have real world anchors.

Sleep, move consultational relationships.

Focus on purposeful time

and you can create feeds that uplift and not drain.

What are the unique challenges people face when working remotely or in a hybrid environment?

Remote and hybrid working can be great,

but there are some risks, blood boundaries, isolation,

and constant online availability.

Decision-making can feel slower and small.

Misunderstandings can grow about the in-person chats.

The keys to build rhythm, protect, focus time,

include wellbeing, check-ins,

and have clear offline signals, boundaries.

Take practise.

How can different life-stages affect someone’s mental health for example, menopause?

Different life stages, puberty, parenthood, menopause,

retirement bring hormonal social and identity shifts.

Menopause can affect sleep, mood, anxiety, cognition,

validation matters here.

What you feel is real and help is available.

Lifestyle changes, talking therapies

and medication options through your GP

or specialists are there for you.

The right support at the right time can transform the

quality of your life.

What are the most common mental health conditions?

The most common conditions we see are anxiety disorders.

They include generalised anxiety, panic, and social anxiety.

And in depression we see low mood, loss of interest,

changes in sleep and appetite, and then you have the stress

and adjustment difficulties linked to life changes

or workplace pressures.

You have trauma related conditions such as PTSD.

There's also neurodiversity

considerations like A DHD and autism.

They aren't mental illnesses,

but often coexist with mental health needs.

Now the key is to recognising

how symptoms impact functioning

and getting the right level of support early.

Why is it so important for everyone to talk about mental health?

Talking reduces shame and increases safety.

When we share, we realise we're not alone.

Conversations build community care

and community care saves lives.

Why is there still a stigma around mental health issues?

Stigma persists.

When myths go unchallenged.

Like it's a weakness or it's rare.

It isn't weakness, it isn't rare.

Mental health is part of human health.

When leaders model openness

and organisations protect psychological safety,

stigma fades.

We all have a role in this.

How has the conversation around mental health changed over the last few years?

We are seeing more openness.

We're seeing more workplace conversations happening,

and digital access to support.

People recognise that their mental health

is part of everyday health.

The challenge now is moving from awareness to action.

We want to make it easy to find help early,

and we want to tailor support

that truly fits people's needs.

What positive changes have you noticed in how people talk about mental health today?

I think more leaders share their experience.

Now, more teams start meetings with wellbeing check-ins,

and more people ask for adjustments without fear.

We are normalising. I need a bit more support right now,

and that's a really healthy shift.

What are the barriers that stop people from getting the mental health support they need?

Barriers include stigma, time, unclear pathways,

sometimes cost, and a cultural mismatch.

Maybe some don't know where to start.

Others tried once and it didn't feel right.

The solution is clear.

Signposting multiple entry points

and choice in how support is delivered, be it digital

in person, brief or longer term.

Do mental health challenges present differently in men vs women?

There can be differences in how distress is expressed

and who seeks help.

So men may show irritability, risk taking,

or substance misuse.

Women may report low mood or anxiety more openly.

You see social roles

and expectations can influence this

rather than stereotyping.

We may stay curious, what are you experiencing?

What support feels right for you?

Why do people often wait until things feel unmanageable before seeking help?

People sometimes minimise their symptoms

or hope that things will pass.

Busyness makes reflection hard.

There's also a fear of judgement or of impact in work.

A practical reframe can be seeking help is

like a performance strategy.

You'll think clearer your sleep better,

and you'll be more present wherever you are in your journey.

It's never too late to seek help.

Why is it so important to focus on prevention rather than cure?

Prevention helps us get support

before things get much worse.

So small steps, consistent actions.

Looking after our sleep movement, connections,

workload boundaries, helps us reduce risk,

shortens recovery time, and builds resilience.

You see, it's easier to keep the boat steady than

to bail the water out once it's flooded.

Why is it important to recognise that mental health challenges look different for everyone?

So two people can share the same diagnosis

and have entirely different needs.

Your biology, your personality, your culture, your workload,

your support networks all play a role.

We need personalised care that's paced to your lifestyle,

that you're choosing treatment modalities that work for you,

and creating your goals collaboratively with your therapist.

This improves outcome.

So the question isn't what's the label?

It's not, why does it look different

for me than to someone else?

It's what matters to you. What helps you?

What everyday actions can people take to look after their mental health before problems escalate?

I like this one.

Think, smile, sleep. Aim for regular routine.

Sleep, protect sleep routines, move light.

Daily movements beat occasional intense outbursts.

There's intervals, micro breaks to reset attention.

Then there's links. Connect

with someone you trust every day.

Expectations set realistic goals and boundaries.

Tiny habits repeated create real change.

What does good mental health support look like?

Good support is accessible.

Support, evidence-based support is personalised.

It starts with clear assessments, agreed goals,

and check in on progress.

It respects identity, culture, and preferences

and coordinates with physical health.

Most importantly, it feels safe, collaborative, and useful.

What does mindspace do?

Mind Place is creating a unique service which blends

clinical expertise within a warm, comforting,

and welcoming environment.

We are providing services which meet people,

where they are and how they live.

Designed for a hybrid future in purpose-built centres

where accessibility and reach atmosphere

and experience sustainability

and design integrity are built in from the outset.

Our hubs will provide opportunity to innovate

how we provide mental health care in the future.

Why is early support so crucial in preventing issues from escalating?

Early support interrupts negative cycles.

Sleep loss, worry, avoidance, and restores function faster.

It reduces the need for more intensive care later

and improves long-term outcomes.

Think nip it in the bud. It really does work.

Why is personalised support so important when it comes to mental health care?

So personalization improves engagement and outcome.

It aligns to support of your goals,

culture, strengths, and constraints.

We ask, what does better look like for you?

Then we tailor the plan, the frequency, the modality,

and the focus so it fits real life.

What is Mindplace?

So Bupa is leading a future where caring

for your mental health carries no stigma.

Where talking to a therapist is as acceptable as going

to the gym or visiting a doctor,

which is why we are creating something new.

It's mind place. It's a global network of wellbeing centres.

We are launching in 200 locations worldwide.

It's purpose built.

Our centres are a place to build

and maintain a healthy state of mind.

What types of support are available?

So support spans from self-help guided digital tools,

groups, and individual therapies, peer support medication,

if that's appropriate,

and specialist services for complex needs.

It can be delivered in person remotely during the day

outside of standard hours.

Your choice matters.

What steps can someone take if they’re unsure where to begin when it comes to seeking help?

Just start with one conversation with a trusted person,

your GP or an employer support line.

Note your main concerns, the duration

and the impact it's having.

Ask for options. Ask for self-guided tools,

brief therapy or specialist care.

If it feels like too much, just choose the smallest,

helpful next step, and build from there.

How can employers create a more supportive environment for mental health?

Employers can embed psychological safety

by encouraging candid conversations without penalty.

They can train line managers, offer flexible work patterns,

provide clear pathways to support.

They can measure wellbeing just like

they measure performance.

And you can take small actions like starting meetings

with quick check-ins.

This really shifts the culture in a positive direction.

What services are offered at Bupa’s Mindplaces?

A whole range of mental health services are available

through Mind Place,

including evidence-informed in-person therapies from

psychological professions like psychologists,

cognitive behavioural therapists and counsellors.

And there are other therapeutic approaches too.

Services support commonly

experienced mental health problems.

Understanding that one size does not fit all within Mind

Place, we are looking to normalise

conversations about mental health.

You see, people tend to wait

until they experience significant

difficulties in their mental health before they seek help.

And for many, they seek help only when it really impacts

their ability to work or function.

But treatment is just one part of the picture

within mind place.

We recognise there are so much more

to mental health than the treatment of mental illness.

It should be natural to seek professional support.

When we start to recognise unhelpful thinking,

when we need help with emotional regulation

or there's some beliefs

or experiences that hold us back from reaching our full

potential, we should aim for thriving rather than surviving

and set mental fitness goals in the same ways we set

physical fitness goals, services, that mind place will look

to support holistic care, looking at treatment

through mental health difficulties.

Prevention of mental illness

and enhancement of mental fitness

services will provide expert confidential

supports in a calm surrounding,

helping individuals manage their difficulties

and build wellbeing.

What should be my first step if my child is struggling with their mental health?

Begin with a calm connection.

Reassure them that they're not in trouble,

and that you are there to help.

Note specific concerns

and how long they've been going on for.

Then contact your GP or school support system

or a child mental health service.

If there is any risk of harm, seek urgent help via a and e

or Samaritans.

How do I start a conversation with my children around mental health?

Keep it simple and regular.

Choose a calm moment to be curious and validate feelings.

It's okay to feel worried sometimes. Let's talk about it.

Ask open questions.

Listen more than you speak

and avoid jumping to fix problems quickly.

Consistency in this approach will build trust.

Are mental health challenges in children becoming more common or more complex?

Children face new pressures.

There's digital life, academic demands,

and post pandemic adjustments.

What helps is early conversations, compassionate listening,

some consistent routines,

and access to age appropriate support.

The earlier we act, the better the outcomes.

What can I do if myself or someone I know is having a mental health emergency?

If you're in a mental health emergency,

please immediately call 9 9 9 or go to a

and e if there's immediate danger for urgent,

but non-life threatening situations.

Call or use NHS one one one or Contact Samaritans

or text Shout for 24 7 confidential supports.

Please do reach out. There is support and help out there.

You don't need to know what to say.

Just contact them and they will guide you.

What are the warning signs my child might be struggling?

Look for changes from the usual routine.

There could be sleep problems.

You might notice they're complaining of tummy aches,

withdrawing from friends, refusing to go to school.

They might be quick to become irritable,

or you might notice big swings in moods.

Just trust your gut. If something feels off, persist

with your questioning.

Seek guidance when you need it.

Start with talking to your GP or get your school involved.

There'll be some school support there available to you

as well.

In what ways can Bupa’s Mindplace guide someone who isn’t sure what type of support they need?

It can be confusing and daunting to know where to turn.

When you're experiencing mental health difficulties,

it's hard to know where to start, what support is available,

and what is needed, especially at times when someone might

already be feeling low or anxious.

Mind Place services are designed

to support people finding the right care

by getting a comprehensive understanding

of their difficulties, their current circumstances,

their reason for seeking support, as well

as their future goals and preferences.

By understanding someone's individual needs,

we can connect them with the treatment pathways,

which are known to provide the best effective support.

Who are you?

Hello, I'm Shana Kum.

I'm head of Clinical Remote Mental Health.

I'm a CBT therapist and EMDR therapist.

By background, I've been working in mental health

for 20 years now.

I started my career as a mental health nurse.

I trained as a CBT therapist. I've worked in the NHS.

I've worked for digital health tech,

and now I work for Bupa.

In my free time, I like to martial arts,

so I do TaeKwonDo currently,

but I've done many forms of martial arts.

I've done Gek Kondo, I've done wing Chung,

but TaeKwonDo is my favourite and I compete,

and I won't tell you what age category I compete in.

What else about me? I have three children.

My eldest is also a therapist.

I've got two girls and one boy. And to relax.

What do I do for wellbeing? I like going for walks.

I like reading. I like aromatherapy,

scented candles.

Being a therapist, I like to balance work with nutrition,

with rest, with doing activities that are really meaningful

to me.

What mental health challenges can Mindplace support with?

Life can be challenging

and many people will face mental health difficulties

as they navigate the complexities of modern living, adapt

to life transitions, and deal with distressing

or unexpected life events.

These often competing demands can have a direct impact on

mental health as people work hard

to balance work expectations.

Family pressures caring

and financial responsibilities in an ever-changing world.

Major life events as well as positive life changes such

as becoming a parent can change our

emotional resilience and wellbeing.

When these demands accumulate, it can be difficult to cope,

and this can lead to mental health difficulties such

as anxiety, mood, and sleep disturbances reduced motivations

and feelings of overwhelm.

Ongoing demands

and pressures sit alongside traumatic early experiences.

They can challenge the challenges of relating to identity,

connection, and community mind place will help people

navigate these pressures and understand

how life demands trauma, identity, connections,

and community all interact,

supporting commonly experienced emotional,

psychological difficulties, trauma

and stress related conditions, relationship

and interpersonal issues, functional

and everyday life difficulties, as well

as work-related mental health challenges.

Health information from our experts

What’s next?

Bupa occupational health services are provided by Bupa Occupational Health Limited. Registered in England and Wales No. 631336. Registered office: 1 Angel Court, London EC2R 7HJ