According to NHS data, around 3.8 million people were in contact with NHS mental health, learning disability and autism services over the last year, up almost two fifths compared to before the pandemic.
The new NHS figures show that 3,790,826 people were in contact with services during 2023-24, compared to 2,726,721 in 2018/19.
The figures include more than one million children, with 16-year-olds most likely to be seeking NHS support. One in five 16-year-old girls are in contact with services (70,963).
Claire Murdoch, NHS England’s national mental health director, said: “Demand for mental health services has been rising and figures released today show how the NHS has been expanding services to treat record numbers of patients – thanks also to additional investment in mental health services over the course of the NHS Long Term Plan, including dedicated spending for community, crisis and acute mental health services to help people get quicker access to the care they need before a hospital admission is needed.
“We know more work is still needed and it is very much job begun and not job done because there are still significant numbers of people who need our help, so the NHS will continue to work hard to transform services to ensure everyone gets the support they need.
“If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, please come forward for support either by contacting your GP or health visitor.”
Baroness Merron, minister for mental health said: “I am pleased to see so many more people able to access support from our hard-working NHS mental health services. But too many people are struggling with poor mental health, made worse by the fact that waiting lists for support are far too long.
“We’re committed to giving mental health the attention and focus it needs by recruiting an additional 8,500 mental health workers across child and adult services to reduce delays and provide faster treatment.
“By providing early intervention in every school and local community, we will take action to stamp out the root causes of mental-ill health and turn the tide on these distressing statistics.”
