New data analysed by the Royal College of Psychiatrists shows a record number of annual appointments for those accessing cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) across England.  

Statistics show that there were more CBT appointments taken than any previous year on record, as findings showed 1,961,096 appointments registered overall for the calendar year 2021. The therapy has been shown to help with many different mental health conditions including: depression; anxiety, panic and phobias; eating disorders; obsessive compulsive disorder; post-traumatic stress disorder; bipolar disorder; and psychosis.

Unlike some other talking therapies, CBT focuses on current challenges rather than on past experiences. The treatment is aimed at improving someone’s state of mind by teaching them to spot the links between thoughts, actions and feelings.  

Those receiving CBT treatment during December 2021 had an average of 6.8 sessions. A course of CBT usually lasts for between six weeks and six months, with weekly or fortnightly sessions running between 30 and 60 minutes.

Dr Paul Blenkiron, consultant psychiatrist and author of the Royal College of Psychiatrists’ updated patient information resource on CBT, said: “There is a high demand for cognitive behavioural therapy in the aftermath of the pandemic. With all the uncertainties that continue in the world, effective talking treatments like CBT are more important than ever. They can be used alongside other treatments and help people learn new skills to keep themselves feeling well.”