PCPB welcomes independent review into prevalence and support for mental health conditions, ADHD and autism
The Partnership of Counselling and Psychotherapy Bodies (PCPB) welcomes the publication of the final report and its recognition of the growing demand for mental health, ADHD and autism support across England. It presents a compelling case for reform, highlighting the need to move beyond systems that require people to wait for a diagnosis before receiving help and towards earlier, responsive support based on individual need.
The review rightly recognises that people’s lives are shaped not solely by diagnosis, but by their ability to participate in education, work, relationships and their communities. Its emphasis on prevention, early intervention, shared decision-making and person-centred support reflects principles that have long been central to counselling and psychotherapy.
We particularly welcome the focus on ensuring support is available while people wait for assessment, reducing reliance on diagnosis as the sole gateway to help, and improving access to evidence-based psychological interventions. The delays in accessing support risk the worsening of an individual’s mental health, when immediate access may have prevented additional negative impacts on education, work or daily living. The review also highlights the importance of addressing the wider social, economic and environmental factors that contribute to distress and poor mental health.
Crucially, this review reinforces the importance of understanding people as individuals within the context of their lives, relationships and communities. Effective support must be timely, accessible and tailored to people’s needs, rather than determined solely by diagnostic thresholds.
The recommendations present a significant opportunity to create a more integrated and person-centred system of support. As reforms are developed, it will be essential that the counselling and psychotherapy profession is fully involved in shaping how psychological support is delivered across communities, schools, workplaces and health services. We look forward to working with policymakers, professional bodies, people with lived experience and partners across sectors to help ensure that everyone can access the support they need, when they need it.
Professor Adam Boddison OBE, Independent Chair of PCPB, said: “I welcome this timely and independent review, which sets out a compelling vision for earlier, more accessible and needs-led support for children, young people and families. Its emphasis on evidence-informed practice and integrated care reflects principles that are fundamental to effective support. With the right policies and financial support in place to implement the recommendations, more people will receive the right help at the right time, leading to better outcomes across the system”.
