A national campaign to undo the monopoly of short-term behavioural therapy in the NHS
We are members of the Mental Health Action group, a collaboration of Keep Our NHS Public and the Socialist Health Association members campaigning to improve NHS mental health services. Our group comprises current and retired NHS psychotherapists and psychiatrists, social workers, mental health service users and carers. We are concerned that NHS Talking Therapies is a failing service, shielded behind a propaganda campaign of innovation, effectiveness and success. In fact, it is inefficient, ineffective and has consistently failed to meet the three main targets required of it by government.
There is a growing crisis of mental ill-health in the UK, with ever-more people suffering common mental health distress. At the same time, the NHS 10 Year Plan includes promises to reorganise community mental health services. For both reasons, we argue it is now time for a critical review of the primary care psychological therapies currently being provided by the NHS in England.
We are therefore writing to ICBs in England, to heads of NHS and Private Provider Talking Therapy services, as well as to healthcare Scrutiny Committees, Healthwatch, health campaigners and local press, pointing to the failures of the service and consequent injury to people suffering mental health distress within their catchment areas.
We would like to hear back from you in response to the concerns and questions we outline below.
Yours sincerely,
Mental Health Action
For an analysis of failure in every Integrated Care Board in England follow the link here
