Under previous reorganisations, this mental health sector has been marginalised or exposed to lottery by postcode.  BACP is very conscious that this mistake should not be repeated.

Talking therapies help people develop resilience skills for life. Much recent progress has been made in accepting patients' preference for such therapies, and doctors need to be encouraged to continue and extend this approach.

The previous Government developed services for people with a diagnosis of depression or anxiety but often at the expense of many patients experiencing other forms of emotional distress.  This was coupled with an alarming single-focus on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) leading to some counselling services being cut and a subsequent loss of patient choice. BACP hopes the implementation of the White Paper will enable doctors to redress the balance and offer appropriate choice to all patients seeking support for emotional distress and mental health problems.

Given that mental health problems cost the country an estimated £77 billion a year, future service provision should also focus on prevention with strong investment in emotional wellbeing and resilience from childhood to older age.   This will require provision of services within the NHS and alongside it in a variety of settings:

• Nearly ten per cent of 5-16 year olds have a mental disorder and school counselling can be associated with significant positive change in mental well being for young people. 

• Mental health problems cost British businesses an average of £1,000 a year per employee (£26 billion). Counselling in the workplace can help increase productivity, reduce sickness/absence and prevent people from ending up on incapacity benefits.

• Older people are at increased risk of developing mental health problems as they increasingly take on the burden of caring for friends and relatives but their symptoms are often ignored.  Counselling is as effective with older people as with younger populations.

BACP recognises that these reforms will be challenging for the NHS, and looks forward to working with GP's and other colleagues to help ensure the delivery of improved choice and outcomes.

For further information please contact: Alison Croft, BACP Press and Public Relations Manager, on 01455 883342 (office), 07989 416665 (mobile) or alison.croft@bacp.co.uk or Phillip Hodson, BACP Media Consultant on 0207 794 2838 (work), 07961 401685 (mobile) or phillip@philliphodson.co.uk

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Date: 14 July 2010