This investigation studied the effects of aromatherapy in alleviating depression and anxiety. It was an evaluation of the aromatherapy service offered as part of the Surrey Oaklands NHS Trust's Day Hospital treatment plan. The research was designed to identify if there was a significant difference in perceived levels of anxiety and depression between a control group receiving massage with carrier oil alone and a test group receiving holistically prescribed essential oils diluted in carrier oil during massage. Thirty two subjects suffering from depression and/or anxiety were recruited from both inpatient and predominantly outpatient clients of the hospital. Half were randomly assigned to a control group and the other half to the aromatherapy test group. The test group received six, fortnightly massages lasting for 40 min. The essential oils were selected according to physical and psychological symptoms, e.g. anxiety, depression, headaches and sleep problems. The control group received massage with grape seed carrier oil without the essential oils in an identical environment to the test group. Both groups were monitored by their key worker in one-to-one sessions using the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) or the Tyrer Brief Anxiety Scale (TBAS) on a monthly basis until week 12. The clients also completed a Hospital Depression Anxiety Scale (HADS) at the same time intervals. Statistical analysis of the results indicated a significant difference between aromatherapy and control groups. The test group showed a marked improvement in the results of the three questionnaires.