News > More funds for talking therapy

Created: 2007-10-16 18:16:59

SANE welcomed the announcement, made on 10 October 2007 by the Health Secretary Alan Johnson, that the Government is to spend millions more on talking treatments for people with depression and anxiety.

Under the new plan by 2010 £170m a year will be invested in psychological therapies enabling 900,000 more people to receive treatments such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) which according to the National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence are just as effective as drugs.

Currently talking treatments are in short supply and the average waiting time to begin treatment is 18 months. The new plan aims to reduce that wait to just two weeks and to recruit an extra 3600 therapists.

"We are delighted that the Government has recognised the need for psychological therapies for people with mental health problems, for which SANE has campaigned for many years," said Marjorie Wallace, SANE's chief executive. "CBT and other therapies can transform people's lives and enable those for whom they are effective to see their future as half full rather than half empty."

"We would be concerned, however, if this were seen as a quick fix panacea for everyone. We would like to see the new monies used judiciously for all who can benefit, but it must not be forgotten that there are many people with depression and anxiety who will need far longer term and more intensive treatment and help."

For further information read of the Department of Health's press release.