The National Counselling Society have provided evidence to the UK Government's consultation about Progress Improving Mental Health Services

The National Counselling Society have provided evidence to the UK Government's consultation about Progress Improving Mental Health Services

The Public Accounts Committee is conducting an inquiry into Progress Improving Mental Health Services. The Society has put together a report outlining the current challenges within mental health provision, and we're delighted to see that our evidence has been included within the submitted evidence to the committee, allowing them to reference it within the inquiry process.

The Society's report highlights the lack of integration of the counselling and psychotherapy workforce within the NHS, posing a significant challenge for mental health services. Despite the crucial role that these professionals play in helping individuals with mental health issues, the NHS has not fully incorporated this workforce. The report emphasises the need to address this issue and create a more integrated mental health service in the UK.

To achieve this, the National Counselling Society has proposed a plan that would integrate the entire mental health workforce into the NHS with little additional effort. The plan aims to eliminate the gaps in mental health provision and reduce mental health inequalities, providing support for all those who need it.

Meg Moss, Head of Policy & Public Affairs, says, "I'm heartened to see that the Committee are considering our evidence, as it clearly shows how counselling and psychotherapy can help to ameliorate many of the current issues causing the mental health crisis in which the UK has found itself. I hope that the value that an autonomy-focused, client-led model can bring to the UK's mental health provision is felt and understood by the committee, and that we start to see the counselling and psychotherapy workforce becoming more integrated into the NHS ecosystem".