Mental Health Issues Are on the Rise: Why Therapy Services Are Needed Now More Than Ever

Mental health issues are no longer just a silent struggle—they are now a visible crisis. The latest data released last month by the NHS, from the 2023/24 Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey, reveals that over 22% of adults aged 16 to 64 in England are living with common mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety—a sharp increase from 17% in 2007. The statistics for children are 1 in 5

Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey: Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing, England, 2023/4

These statistics are backed by the Government’s new “10 Year Health Plan: Fit for the Future”, released earlier this month, which acknowledges the growing mental health emergency. But for those of us working in the field, none of this comes as a surprise.

As someone who has worked as a therapist since 2007, I’ve watched this crisis unfold firsthand. I began my career in schools and in CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services). Even back then—almost 20 years ago—services were under pressure. CAMHS and school staff have been raising the alarm for decades. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve heard staff say they are trying their best with too little training, resources or funding. I have worked alongside deeply compassionate and knowledgeable professionals, but funding was already falling short, and wait lists stretched to a year or more. That was one of the reasons I began working freelance in schools—under enormous pressure, even back then, they were trying to plug the gaps to support children and young people by providing early intervention where children and families in distress didn't have to wait.

“We know mental health problems are treatable, especially when caught early... But we also know 25% of young people on mental health waiting lists have been waiting for over two years.”— Jemima Olchawski, Executive Director of Social Change at Mind

The sad reality is that when children are finally seen by services like CAMHS, the problems have often compounded with the added pain of waiting in silence, without support.

So Why is Mental Health on the Rise?

"The nation’s mental health is deteriorating, and our current system is overwhelmed, underfunded, and unequal to the scale of the challenge…. After the trauma of the pandemic, the relentless cost-of-living crisis, and persistent racial inequalities, it is no surprise that mental health has suffered – especially for the young. But it is unacceptable that services still aren’t meeting people’s needs” Dr Sarah Hughes, Chief Executive of Mind

In my view, the rise in mental health difficulties is both obvious and deeply layered. These difficulties are also exasperated by:

• decades of underfunded health and educational services

• the rapid growth and impact of social media (and technology)

• the breakdown of family/community and the support needed

• school/work increased demand and pressure

  
  

Together, these have created a perfect storm.

Therapeutic Services are needed more now than ever

The government has announced, in it's 10 year plan "fit for the future" increased spending in mental health services including; mental health units and emergency departments, improving crisis response, patient self referral and AI technology assisted virtual therapists for mild and moderate needs and for young people the expansion of Mental Health Support Teams, in schools, as well as "youth hubs", self referral, early interventions, training staff and including mental health into the curriculum—these are all a welcome step.

But it is only a step. I often wonder if the lack of support identified 20 years ago had been addressed, Would many of the young adults I now see be carrying unresolved trauma, depression, anxiety, and struggles linked to unidentified neurodivergence?

Therapy Is Not a Luxury—It’s Essential

I’m cautiously optimistic about increased NHS investment—it might mean that the clients I see in private practice will have at least received some level of early intervention, even if AI-assisted. This kind of support could help prevent the additional harm caused when people who already feel isolated, unsupported, and unseen by mental health difficulties, encounter the same treatment from the very services meant to help them. However only time will tell how it will benefit both people in crisis and those living with mild to moderate mental health difficulties.

The truth is: therapy works. People can recover. People do thrive. But only when they’re given the right tools, the right space, and the right support. Private therapy services, like City Solace Psychotherapy, have been increasingly called upon where public provision have not meet demand. Struggling with mental health makes a person very vulnerable and when someone is vulnerable the last thing they need is to be placed on a never-ending waitlist. This is why at City Solace Psychotherapy I feel passionate about working with people, who may feel lost, stuck, or unheard—and who need a space where they are met with respect, empathy, and possibility.

“By improving access to mental health services and ensuring employment support is better tailored to individual needs, we will transform people’s lives...”— Liz Kendall, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions

And that transformation starts with access—early, responsive, compassionate access.

Whilst the proposed improvements are encouraging, it’s unlikely to be a magical transformation—and I say that as someone who would happily return to NHS work if services were resourced in a way that truly supported both clients and practitioners.

Will People Still Choose Private Therapy?

Even with more public provision, many people will still choose private therapy as it’s about autonomy, flexibility, and depth. Private therapy offers:

• Flexible appointment times (including evenings)

• The ability to choose a therapist who fits your style and needs

• Longer-term or open-ended work, not capped by session limits

• A sense of ownership and privacy in your journey

• the choice to see someone in person or online

  
  

For some, therapy is not just about treatment—it’s about maintenance, personal growth, and ongoing emotional support. They want a space that evolves with them, not just a fix during crisis.

The Real Change needed

We also need to talk about the cultural context. Mental health doesn’t exist in a vacuum. To name a few; breakdown of community, the relentless pace of life and the cost of living crisis, inequality, navigating the uncharted waters of social media/AI technology and the disconnection from shared values all take their toll.

Though additional services are needed—we also need a cultural shift. A national recognition that wellbeing is foundational to a healthy, well functioning, inclusive and happy society. Wellbeing needs to be put at the epicenter of decision making for lasting change to occur....

“Patients have faced the crisis of access to mental health services for far too long, and this government is determined to change that...”— Wes Streeting, Health and Social Care Secretary

Let’s hope these aren’t just words and we see real lasting change, not just crisis management.

But if there’s one silver lining, it’s this:The conversation around mental health is out there in the open. The stigma is lifting. Shame is giving way to self-advocacy. And more people are seeing therapy not as a weakness, but a strength. And that alone is something worth celebrating.

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If you or someone you know is looking for an in person therapist in South East London or online then why not take that first step and click the image below to book an intial free discovery call with me, let's see how I might be able to help!

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