We need to talk

The assessment was incredible... I felt that someone finally understood. When I was told that the wait after assessment was two years it felt like a real let down, offering a lifeline and [then] snatching it away.

Campaign for psychological therapies

Psychological therapies such as counselling and psychotherapy can be very effective for treating mental health problems. However, they are not always easily to get on the NHS and some people can wait years for treatment.

The Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) programme has improved the situation and the Government has recently provided more funds so the service can be used by young people too.

But there are still far too many people who are not getting the treatment they need, when they need it. Mind's report, We need to talk: Getting the right therapy at the right time, backs up this claim with evidence from over 500 service users who shared their experiences with us:

• 1 in 5 people had been waiting over a year to receive treatment
• Only 8 per cent had a full choice about which therapy they received
• Just 13 per cent had a choice in where they received therapy

We must make sure that talking therapies are made available to everyone within 28 days of referral, and that the service continues to improve by providing people with choice. 

We are fighting for:

• A full choice of evidence-based psychological therapies made available to all.
• Therapy should be available within 28 days of requesting referral.
• Equality of access to therapy for everyone in England.

 Take action

• Share your experience by blogging for us
• Be a media volunteer
• Become a Mind campaigner

The following organisations support We need to talk: