The Government’s planned new mental health strategy for England is an important opportunity to increase much needed early access to counselling and psychotherapy.

The Department for Health and Social Care today announced a public call for evidence to help inform the upcoming cross-government 10-year strategy.

It comes as James Murray takes on the role of Health Secretary, after Wes Streeting left Government yesterday.

Long overdue

The development of a strategy is long overdue. But it must be informed by insights and evidence from both practitioners and people with lived experience to ensure there's a fundamental system overhaul.

This is essential to address increased demand for accessible and early mental health support, long waiting lists, differences in access depending on where you live, and vital third sector services facing the threat of closure.

Too many people are waiting until crisis point before seeking support. Or worse still, experience an exacerbation of their condition due to delays in receiving the support that they need.

The counselling and psychotherapy profession must be better integrated into services to increase mental health support for the nation. It's essential that the Government understands the difference this could make.

Promising sign of progress

Dr Lisa Morrison, our Director of Professional Standards, Policy and Research, said:

“This announcement is a promising sign of progress and long-awaited recognition from the Government that addressing the mental health crisis needs political commitment and tangible measures to improve support and services.

“Let's be clear, for too long successive Governments have failed to deliver strategy due to insufficient investment or leadership to make the changes needed.

“In that time, people in need have faced spiralling waits and difficulties in accessing support in a system not set up to deal with the challenges and complexities of providing mental health support in 2026 and beyond. At BACP, we know what works and what's needed.

Bold action

“This strategy must include immediate bold action to improve access to therapy and to offer people in need a wider choice of therapeutic support, before they reach crisis point. Without this the Government will fail to fundamentally address the need for earlier help, faster access and a whole-system approach.

“The strategy must also address the root causes and external factors that influence poor mental health, and a cross Departmental approach must be achieved to create the mechanisms through which this can become a reality rather than an aspiration. The strategy must not only be evidence-based but matched by long-term investment if it is to make a meaningful and measurable difference.

Call for evidence

“The skills, capacity and expertise of our members are woefully underutilised by many services and settings. This strategy must ensure counselling can contribute to properly addressing the nation's mental health challenges and changes more people's lives. We stand ready to work with the Government to make the difference that is needed."

The call for evidence closes on 10 July.

Find out more information on the Government’s mental health strategy announcement.

Read about the strategy's call for evidence.