GPs attack mental health delays

A Royal College of GPs (RCGP) survey found that more than three-quarters of doctors said they were rarely able to get specialist psychological therapy for children suffering from emotional problems within two months.

A further 16 per cent said they could secure such treatment within two months but only sometimes. Just 6 per cent said they had no problems referring young patients for specialist mental health support.

The RCGP is backing a campaign launched by the mental health charity Mind, calling on all political parties to improve access to psychological therapies for young people and adults.

Others involved in the campaign are the economist Professor Lord Richard Layard and the Royal College of Psychiatrists.

They want to see a minimum referral time of 28 days for psychological therapy support in place within five years.

Commenting on the need to improve access to psychological therapy RCGP chairman Professor Steve Field said: "Even if there is a financial squeeze, the evidence is that this will save the country money."

This latest RCGP survey coincides with the release of a National Advisory Council for Children's Mental Health and Psychological Wellbeing (NAC) report into emotional and mental health support for children and young people.

This says access to services is "still patchy" and urges politicians to invest in mental health support even in tough economic times.
 
The report also called for more coherent leadership and better commissioning of a range of services from mental health managers as well as improvements in training. Young people should also be more involved in developing services.
 
Dr Lesley Hewson, the council's vice chair, said: "Children and young people tell us that that they want everyone to have a better understanding of what mental health is and be able to get the right help when they need it. We need to ensure that the whole range of provision is available in all areas and for all communities, from preventative services to highly specialist care."