NHS urges nine million people to seek talking therapy

NHS has launched a national media campaign urging an estimated 9.4 million people with common mental health conditions to access NHS talking therapies, and officials say more than 670,000 people received such treatment last year.

NHS England has launched a national media campaign urging people with common mental health conditions to access talking therapies available on the NHS. Health leaders say mental health is now the leading cause of long-term sickness and point to a large share of the post-pandemic rise in disability claims being for mental health. Officials reported that over 670,000 people were treated with talking therapy last year and that overall contact with mental health services has increased significantly. Key facts: - NHS figures estimate about 9.4 million people are living with a common mental health condition. - The Institute for Fiscal Studies reported that 55% of the post-pandemic rise in disability benefits was accounted for by claims primarily for mental health. - More than 670,000 people received talking therapy in the most recent year, and 4.1 million people were in contact with mental health services in 2024/25. - The campaign is being run across social media, search engines and television, and officials say services believe they can cope with increased demand. Summary: The campaign aims to reach people affected by common mental health conditions as mental health becomes a leading cause of long-term sickness and economic inactivity. Undetermined at this time.