Psychotherapists need to increase fivefold

The number of psychotherapists working in the health service will have to increase fivefold by 2010 if the government is deliver its mental health targets, says a report published today.

The Sainsbury Centre for Mental Health discussion paper argues the number of psychotherapists must increase by 562 per cent – from 723 to 4,786 – if the National Service Framework is to be reached.

An extra 5,000 social workers, 4,700 clinical psychologists and 1,200 consultant psychiatrists will also be needed if the framework’s standards in mental health promotion, primary care and acute care are to be met.

The centre’s chief executive Angela Greatley said: “This paper sets out what we think a mental health service that fully meets all the government’s plans would look like.”

“We are now inviting comments from all those who use, work in or work with mental health services. We hope this will build a shared view of what a ‘good’ mental health service might look like.”

Consultation responses will be used to produce a second report next year.

Defining a Good Mental Health Service from www.scmh.org.uk