Mental Health for the British: Remote Psychological Counselling 40% Cheaper, Connecting with International Experts Instantly

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1. An Alarming Reality: 1 in 5 British Adults Facing Common Mental Health Issues

In the United Kingdom, mental health is becoming one of the most serious public health challenges. According to reports from Mind and NHS England’s Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey (APMS) 2023/24, approximately 20.2% of adults in England are living with a common mental health condition (CMHC), such as depression and anxiety. This figure is higher in women (24.2%) compared to men (15.4%) and has been steadily rising from 18.9% in 2014 to 22.6% for the 16–64 age group in 2023/24. Young people aged 16–24 are the hardest hit, with rates reaching 25.8%—a sharp increase from 18.9% a decade ago.

Another concerning indicator is the use of antidepressants. Data from the NHS Business Services Authority shows that between Q4 2024 and Q1 2025, approximately 23 million antidepressant prescriptions were issued to nearly 7 million patients, with numbers continuing to rise slightly each quarter. This reflects the reality that many Britons rely on medication to manage symptoms, while the demand for intensive psychological counselling remains largely unmet.

Real-life story from Manchester: Sarah, 34, an office worker in Manchester, fell into a cycle of prolonged anxiety following the COVID-19 pandemic. She felt isolated, suffered from chronic insomnia, and saw her work performance drop significantly. Initially, her GP prescribed SSRIs (such as Sertraline—the most common antidepressant in the UK with tens of millions of prescriptions annually). However, after three months, her symptoms persisted due to a lack of supporting psychotherapy. Sarah shared: “I felt like I was living in an invisible cage, worrying about everything from work to my family’s future. The pills helped a bit, but I still couldn’t control the negative thoughts.” This situation nearly cost her her job and increased financial pressure due to the high cost of private treatment. Eventually, Sarah turned to remote counselling platforms for more timely support, which finally started her on a true path to recovery.

2. What is Mental Health? Not Just Depression and Anxiety, but Long-term Pandemic Aftermath

Mental health encompasses the emotional, psychological, and social well-being that helps individuals cope with life’s stresses, work productively, and contribute to the community. The most common issues in the UK include depression, generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and sleep-related or substance misuse issues.

According to the APMS 2023/24 survey, GAD has the highest prevalence at 7.5%, followed by depression at 3.8%, and other unspecified CMHCs at 8.6%. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the situation, with rates of moderate to severe depressive symptoms doubling in some groups. “Long COVID” has also contributed, causing prolonged fatigue, anxiety, and cognitive impairment—affecting hundreds of thousands of Britons.

Real-life story from London: David, 42, a software engineer in London, contracted a severe case of COVID-19 in 2021. After recovering, he experienced “brain fog,” chronic anxiety, and insomnia. Initially, he thought it was just general fatigue, but after six months, the anxiety bled into his work: he feared meetings and avoided communicating with colleagues. David shared: “I felt useless, worried about my professional future and my ability to provide for my family. Getting only 4–5 hours of sleep a night made everything worse.” This led to decreased productivity and nearly losing his job. David eventually sought remote psychological counselling to combine Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) with sleep tracking, which led to significant improvement after four months.

3. Root Causes: Work Pressure, Social Isolation, and NHS Limitations

In the UK, work pressure is a leading factor. There are approximately 964,000 cases of work-related anxiety reported annually. Social isolation—particularly in major cities like London or Manchester—increases risk, with CMHC rates significantly higher in deprived areas (26.2% compared to 16.0% in affluent areas). The NHS, while providing free services, is facing severe oversubscription.

The average waiting time for psychological therapies (talking therapies) often exceeds standards: many wait over six weeks for a first session, and some wait up to 658 days (nearly two years) for intensive treatment. Data from Rethink Mental Illness in 2025 shows that mental health patients are eight times more likely to wait over 18 months compared to those seeking physical health treatment. This delay often causes conditions to deteriorate into acute crises.

Real-life story from Birmingham: Emma, 28, a teacher in Birmingham, suffered from anxiety and depression due to post-pandemic teaching pressures. Her GP referred her to NHS Talking Therapies, but she was told the wait for an initial session was seven months. During this time, Emma experienced severe panic attacks, had to take temporary leave from work, and her relationship with her boyfriend ended. She recalled: “Every day waking up was pure fear. I felt abandoned by the system, while private costs were too high for a teacher’s salary.” Emma eventually found online platforms for rapid support, which helped her return to work within three months.

4. The Vicious Cycle: Anxiety Leading to Depression, Affecting Sleep and Productivity

Chronic anxiety constantly triggers the sympathetic nervous system, increasing cortisol, which causes insomnia and fatigue. Lack of sleep reduces serotonin levels, leading to depression. This cycle ravages productivity: patients often suffer from poor concentration, increased sick days, or job loss.

According to research, the economic cost of poor mental health in the UK is estimated at £300 billion per year (Centre for Mental Health and Mind Report 2025)—double the NHS budget. This includes lost productivity, unemployment benefits, and healthcare costs.

5. Severe Impact: Rising Suicide Rates, Job Loss, and Family Breakdowns

In 2023, the UK recorded 6,069 suicides (11.4 per 100,000 population), the highest since 1999, with men accounting for a much higher rate (17.4 per 100,000). Many do not access services prior to their death. Social impacts include hundreds of thousands of job losses, family breakdowns, and long-term burdens on children.

6. Benefits of Early Intervention: Improving Mood by up to 60%

Psychological therapies like CBT can improve symptoms by 60–70% in patients with mild-to-moderate anxiety or depression. Early intervention reduces the risk of relapse, saves long-term healthcare costs, and boosts labour productivity.

7. StrongBody AI: Remote Counselling 40% Cheaper, Connecting Global Experts Instantly

StrongBody AI (https://strongbody.ai) is a global platform connecting users with mental health experts, including clinical psychologists, CBT therapists, psychodynamic therapists, and mindfulness practitioners. The platform integrates secure Stripe/PayPal payments, supporting over 200 countries, and features real-time language translation via Multime AI (a linked app), breaking down language barriers.

Compared to private counselling in the UK (which typically costs £80–£150 per session), StrongBody AI offers services that are over 40% cheaper by connecting users with reputable international experts from the US, EU, and Canada. Users can send requests, receive personalised offers, and build a Personal Care Team with multiple specialists for comprehensive support.

StrongBody AI Case Study (Sarah): Sarah from Manchester registered with StrongBody AI after waiting too long for the NHS. She chose a CBT specialist from the EU and sent a request describing her anxiety and insomnia. The expert replied within 24 hours with an offer for a 45-minute session at £45 (40% cheaper than local rates). Using B-Messenger with Voice Translation, they began weekly therapy. After three months (12 sessions), Sarah’s anxiety decreased by 70% (based on the GAD-7 scale), she slept over 7 hours a night, and returned to full-time work.

8. Real Case Study: Overcoming Depression in Manchester with StrongBody AI

StrongBody AI Case Study (John): John, 38, a banker in Manchester, fell into severe depression after losing his job during the pandemic. Symptoms included loss of interest, low self-esteem, negative thoughts, and poor sleep. He waited nine months for the NHS without receiving timely support.

John joined StrongBody AI and selected “Psychiatry/Psychotherapy.” The matching system suggested three suitable experts: one CBT therapist from the US and two from the EU. He chose a CBT expert and sent a private request. The expert sent an offer for a 20-session online package (integrated Zoom video calls) including daily exercises for £900 (over 45% cheaper than the £1,600+ private UK rate).

The Process:

  • Weeks 1–4: Building trust, identifying core negative thoughts.
  • Weeks 5–12: Applying CBT for behavioural change, sleep monitoring.
  • Weeks 13–20: Social reintegration, relapse prevention techniques. John used B-Messenger to send voice messages (automatically translated) for quick support.

Results: After six months, John’s PHQ-9 score dropped from 18 (severe depression) to 5 (normal). He now sleeps 7–8 hours a night, has found a new job, and has mended his family relationships. John shared: “StrongBody AI was not just cheaper; it was fast and flexible. I felt truly heard.”

9. Conclusion & Call to Action: Don’t Wait – Start Your Journey Today

Mental health in the UK is at a crisis point, but remote counselling via StrongBody AI offers hope: 40% cheaper, instant connection to international experts, anonymous, and convenient. Your first consultation phase is free—register at https://strongbody.ai now to send your request and get matched with the right specialist.

You deserve support—act today to reclaim your balance.
USER GUIDE: STRONGBODY AI BUYER PLATFORM

1. Registering a Buyer Account

On StrongBody AI, any newly registered account is set as a Buyer account by default. The registration process consists of the following steps:

  • Access the Platform: Users visit the StrongBody AI website (https://strongbody.ai) or any link within the StrongBody AI domain.
  • Sign Up: Click the “Sign Up” button in the top right corner of the screen. The registration form that appears is specifically designed for Buyers.
  • Enter Credentials: Users must provide an email address and a password of their choice to register.
  • Account Activation & Personalisation: Immediately after registration and activation, during the first login, users are required to select their Fields of Interest and choose Expert Groups (by professional specialisation) to follow. StrongBody AI utilises these preferences to match and recommend relevant services and products, providing maximum convenience for the Buyer.
  • Begin Browsing: Once selections are complete, the user can start browsing information and conducting transactions on the platform.

2. Auto-Matching and Information Personalisation

  • Core Feature: A standout capability of the StrongBody AI platform is Auto-Matching. After a Buyer provides their interests and preferred expert groups, the system automatically searches for and filters suitable service information to deliver to the Buyer.
  • Real-time Notifications: Whenever a service matching a Buyer’s interest is uploaded, the system automatically sends an email notification so the Buyer can review details and place an order.
  • Optimised Experience: Information displayed on the website and linked applications is tailored to the user’s specific interests to ensure high informational value and an optimal service experience.

3. Modern and Convenient Buyer Account Menu

StrongBody AI provides a dedicated Menu set for Buyers to ensure ease of navigation and efficient management of personal data. After logging in, the Buyer-specific menus in the top right corner include:

  • My Account: Click this to manage comprehensive profile information, including transaction history, active and past orders, offers from various sellers, card details, personal data updates, login credentials, uploaded images, internal messages, and platform notifications.
  • Purchased Service: Quick access to the list of services the Buyer has ordered.
  • Purchased Products: Quick access to the list of products the Buyer has purchased.
  • My Request: Quick access to the list of requests the Buyer has sent out.
  • Received Offers: A dedicated area to manage offers received from experts (Sellers).

4. Ordering and Sending Requests

The Service Ordering Process

Buyers can browse products, services, experts, and resources via the Top Navigation Menu, Bottom Menu, and other website content:

  • Browsing Services: Services posted by platform experts (Seller/Provider/Expert) are displayed on the Service page. Users can view categories or deep-dive into specific service details. A search filter on the left-hand menu allows for filtering by category and specific needs.
  • Service Details: Each service page includes a detailed description, illustrations, pricing, and information about the Seller. Descriptions cover the scope of work, technical methods applied, roadmaps, and quality commitments to ensure Buyer trust. Buyers can click the Seller’s name to view their full professional profile.
  • Placement & Payment: To buy a service, the Buyer clicks “Buy Now”. Payment is then made, and the funds are held in the StrongBody AI Intermediary Escrow Vault. Upon successful placement, notifications are sent to the Seller’s account and both parties’ emails to signal an active transaction.

Sending a Service Request to a Seller

  • A unique feature of StrongBody AI is that Buyers are not restricted to existing listings. They can send a custom request based on their specific needs using the “Send Request” form on a service detail page. The Seller will be notified of this custom request and can manage it within their Seller Request dashboard.

Sending a Public Request

  • StrongBody AI supports Public Requests sent to multiple Sellers simultaneously. If a Buyer cannot find a suitable pre-existing product or service, they can create a Public Request specifying the category and a description of their requirements.
  • The AI Matching System automatically identifies potential Sellers based on expertise and requirement levels. Buyers can then receive multiple offers from different Sellers, allowing them to compare and choose the best fit.

5. Product Inquiries – Consult Request

Sellers share products on their personal storefronts to provide information and highlight benefits. StrongBody AI allows Buyers to send a Consult Request for specific products:

  • On the product info page, the Buyer sends a consultation request. StrongBody AI opens the Biz Messenger (B-Messenger) window, allowing real-time communication between the Buyer and Seller.
  • The actual product delivery is handled directly between the two parties. StrongBody AI acts as a facilitator, confirming that transactions are finalised and securing payments through integrated providers like Stripe, PayPal, and Payoneer.

6. Receiving and Processing Offers

Dispute Resolution: If a Buyer has a complaint, the order remains un-finalised. StrongBody AI will intervene, using the Offer details, chat logs, and evidence provided by both parties to coordinate a resolution. If a refund or cancellation is agreed upon, the agreed amount is returned to the Buyer.

Offer Receipt: When a Seller sends an Offer regarding a product/service or responds to a Buyer’s request, the Buyer can view and manage it under My Account -> Menu Offers.

B-Messenger Integration: Offers also appear directly within the chat window in B-Messenger. This unique feature transforms the communication tool into a powerful business transaction hub.

Reviewing Offers: Offers include the title, service/product type, scope of work, timeline, delivery method, agreed terms, and the cost. Buyers may choose to accept or ignore an Offer.

Payment & Escrow: Upon agreeing to an Offer, the Buyer pays via PayPal or Stripe using pre-configured credit cards. Payments are secure, and funds are held in Escrow by StrongBody AI.

Execution & Completion: The Seller is notified of the payment and begins work. Once finished, if the Buyer is satisfied with the result, they confirm the Offer as Completed.

Fund Release: Once confirmed and cleared of any complaints, the funds are released to the Seller (after deducting standard platform fees).
Dispute Resolution: If a Buyer has a complaint, the order remains un-finalised. StrongBody AI will intervene, using the Offer details, chat logs, and evidence provided by both parties to coordinate a resolution. If a refund or cancellation is agreed upon, the agreed amount is returned to the Buyer.
Overview of StrongBody AI

StrongBody AI is a platform connecting services and products in the fields of health, proactive health care, and mental health, operating at the official and sole address: https://strongbody.ai. The platform connects real doctors, real pharmacists, and real proactive health care experts (sellers) with users (buyers) worldwide, allowing sellers to provide remote/on-site consultations, online training, sell related products, post blogs to build credibility, and proactively contact potential customers via Active Message. Buyers can send requests, place orders, receive offers, and build personal care teams. The platform automatically matches based on expertise, supports payments via Stripe/Paypal (over 200 countries). With tens of millions of users from the US, UK, EU, Canada, and others, the platform generates thousands of daily requests, helping sellers reach high-income customers and buyers easily find suitable real experts.

Operating Model and Capabilities

Not a scheduling platform

StrongBody AI is where sellers receive requests from buyers, proactively send offers, conduct direct transactions via chat, offer acceptance, and payment. This pioneering feature provides initiative and maximum convenience for both sides, suitable for real-world health care transactions – something no other platform offers.

Not a medical tool / AI

StrongBody AI is a human connection platform, enabling users to connect with real, verified healthcare professionals who hold valid qualifications and proven professional experience from countries around the world.

All consultations and information exchanges take place directly between users and real human experts, via B-Messenger chat or third-party communication tools such as Telegram, Zoom, or phone calls.

StrongBody AI only facilitates connections, payment processing, and comparison tools; it does not interfere in consultation content, professional judgment, medical decisions, or service delivery. All healthcare-related discussions and decisions are made exclusively between users and real licensed professionals.

User Base

StrongBody AI serves tens of millions of members from the US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia, Vietnam, Brazil, India, and many other countries (including extended networks such as Ghana and Kenya). Tens of thousands of new users register daily in buyer and seller roles, forming a global network of real service providers and real users.

Secure Payments

The platform integrates Stripe and PayPal, supporting more than 50 currencies. StrongBody AI does not store card information; all payment data is securely handled by Stripe or PayPal with OTP verification. Sellers can withdraw funds (except currency conversion fees) within 30 minutes to their real bank accounts. Platform fees are 20% for sellers and 10% for buyers (clearly displayed in service pricing).

Limitations of Liability

StrongBody AI acts solely as an intermediary connection platform and does not participate in or take responsibility for consultation content, service or product quality, medical decisions, or agreements made between buyers and sellers.

All consultations, guidance, and healthcare-related decisions are carried out exclusively between buyers and real human professionals. StrongBody AI is not a medical provider and does not guarantee treatment outcomes.

Benefits

For sellers:
Access high-income global customers (US, EU, etc.), increase income without marketing or technical expertise, build a personal brand, monetize spare time, and contribute professional value to global community health as real experts serving real users.

For buyers:
Access a wide selection of reputable real professionals at reasonable costs, avoid long waiting times, easily find suitable experts, benefit from secure payments, and overcome language barriers.

AI Disclaimer

The term “AI” in StrongBody AI refers to the use of artificial intelligence technologies for platform optimization purposes only, including user matching, service recommendations, content support, language translation, and workflow automation.

StrongBody AI does not use artificial intelligence to provide medical diagnosis, medical advice, treatment decisions, or clinical judgment.

Artificial intelligence on the platform does not replace licensed healthcare professionals and does not participate in medical decision-making.
All healthcare-related consultations and decisions are made solely by real human professionals and users.

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