Latest Improving Access to Psychological Therapies annual data

Mind, as part of the We Need to Talk coalition, responds to new data on talking therapies from the Health & Social Care Information Centre, which shows huge variation in access depending on where a person lives.

Paul Farmer, Chair of the We Need to Talk coalition and Chief Executive of mental health charity Mind, said:

“These latest annual statistics echo our own investigation, launched just yesterday, showing huge variation in access to talking therapies depending on where a person lives. We know that in some parts of the country investment in IAPT and other models has transformed lives but far too many people face unacceptably long waits or are struggling to even get a referral, which just isn’t good enough. While waiting, many become more unwell and one in six people attempt to take their own lives.

“With the election approaching, political parties must invest in mental health and make talking therapies a priority. The next Government must ensure the NHS can offer the full range of evidence-based psychological therapies to all who need them within 28 days of requesting a referral.”