The Department of Health and Social Care has announced that it intends to put ‘digital front doors’ on mental health services as part of the upcoming 10 Year Health Plan. It has also revealed that 6,700 additional mental health workers have been recruited since July 2024.

“Digital technologies can make it easier for people with mental illness to access care. While people have long been able to self-refer to Talking Therapies, providing access through the NHS App will make this more accessible. There are many evidence-based digital interventions which can support people with mental ill-health; however, a lack of investment has stalled their progress. The Government must also invest in the necessary technological infrastructure for mental health organisations and their staff, to allow access to digital interventions.

“Virtual methods of care should only be seen as complimentary to, rather than a replacement for, in person therapeutic treatment. We know that for example, people living with neurodevelopmental issues, and those facing digital exclusion, need the option to see their clinician face to face as well as the ability to self-refer to in person talking therapies.

“We look forward to seeing the results of the six Neighbourhood Mental Health Model pilots, which have the potential to help ensure people receive timely care in times of crisis. In the meantime, it’s crucial that the Government continues to support and fund the Community Mental health Framework; the main model of community mental healthcare being implemented across the country. We cannot continue to wait until people reach crisis point - community mental healthcare remains the bedrock of care provision yet continues to be underfunded.

“Whether services are provided digitally or in the community, increasing access requires a bolstered workforce. The Government’s efforts to recruit more mental health staff are welcome but fall short of what is needed to address the chronic workforce shortages affecting services.

“There are 1.7 million people waiting for mental healthcare and delays often occur because services don’t have the psychiatrists, nurses and other members of staff they need to treat people in a timely manner.

“We encourage the Government to be more ambitious in their plans to expand the mental health workforce, to surpass the growth seen under previous Governments. A breakdown of which positions new recruits will fill is also needed to support service planning and delivery.

“We look forward to seeing the details of the proposals, including plans to retain staff, in the upcoming 10 Year Health Plan and the NHSE Long-Term Workforce plan. The College stands ready to work with the Government on these proposals and to use the vast expertise of our membership to ensure they deliver the best outcomes for people with mental illness.”