A new counselling and therapy service has launched across Hull and East Yorkshire, aiming to help people access professional mental health support quicker and avoid the long waits often associated with traditional pathways.
Motiva™, a new service from Hull & East Yorkshire Mind, will provide paid-for counselling and therapy for adults, children and young people, offering flexible online and in-person appointments with experienced therapists.
The launch comes at a time of growing demand for mental health support both locally and nationally, with increasing pressure on services and concerns around the impact long waits can have on people’s wellbeing.
Hull and East Yorkshire Mind has been supporting local people with their mental health for over 50 years, reaching more than 30,000 people each year through a range of mental health services, information, advice, community support, counselling and crisis interventions. Motiva™ has been developed to complement existing support by providing quicker access to professional therapy for those who are able to self-fund their support.
Across the Humber region, mental health continues to be identified as a major area of concern, particularly around access to services and waiting times. Recent feedback gathered by the Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board highlighted concerns from local residents and young people around long waiting lists, difficulty accessing support and the growing pressure on mental health services.
Nationally, demand for mental health services has risen significantly in recent years. The British Medical Association estimates mental health waiting lists in England reached around 1.7 million people in 2025, with referrals to mental health services continuing to rise year-on-year.
Mental health charities have also warned that delays in accessing support can lead to people becoming more unwell while they wait. Research from Rethink Mental Illness found that people are eight times more likely to wait over 18 months for mental health treatment than physical health treatment, with many reporting their mental health deteriorated during delays to care.
Motiva™ has been created to offer quicker access to counselling and therapy in a safe, supportive and confidential environment, giving people another option to access professional mental health support when they need it most.
The service will support people experiencing a wide range of mental health and wellbeing challenges, including:
- Anxiety and stress
- Low mood and depression
- Burnout and work pressures
- Bereavement and loss
- Relationship difficulties
- Confidence and self-esteem challenges
- Emotional wellbeing difficulties
- Wider life pressures
Sessions start from £60, with a free telephone consultation available to help people explore the right support for their individual needs. Individuals can expect to be seen within 7 working days*.
Jack Moore, Head of External Relations at Hull and East Yorkshire Mind said: “We know that reaching out for support can already feel incredibly difficult, and for many people, long waits for help can often make things feel even harder.
Mental health challenges do not pause while people wait for support. In many cases, things can worsen over time and begin to affect relationships, work, education and day-to-day life.
Motiva has been designed to offer quicker access to professional counselling and therapy, helping people access support earlier and in a way that feels flexible, approachable and supportive.
As a local mental health charity, we see every day the impact that poor mental health can have on individuals, families and communities. We want people to know that support is available, and that they do not have to wait until they reach crisis point before asking for help.”
Motiva™ combines Hull and East Yorkshire Mind’s trusted local mental health expertise with person-centered support designed around people’s individual needs and circumstances.
The service has been designed to feel approachable and accessible, with flexible appointment options available around work, education, caring responsibilities and family life. Both online and in-person sessions will be available, helping people access support in a way that works best for them.
Any surplus generated through Motiva™ will be reinvested back into Hull and East Yorkshire Mind’s charitable work, helping the organisation continue supporting local people and communities across the region.
Motiva™ is now accepting self-referrals, with people able to access information, enquire about support and book an initial consultation directly.
For more information, visit motiva.org.uk.