News Release, 12 May 2006
Andrew McCulloch, Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation, today broadly welcomed the launch of pilot Cognitive Behavioural Therapy centres in Newham and Doncaster, but warned that they may not reduce the number of people with mental health problems claiming Incapacity Benefit,
“The Cognitive Behavioural Therapy centres will certainly help people with mild to moderate mental health problems. There is overwhelming evidence to show that CBT is effective for perhaps up to two-thirds of those who try it, but CBT is not a cure for all.
"The Government appears to think that the centres will get people with mental health problems claiming Incapacity Benefit well, and back to work. However, the Government has failed to understand that people on Incapacity Benefit are normally living with severe or enduring mental health problems and need more than just a few sessions of CBT. They need a range of treatments and supports over a significant period of time.
"For the people that the centres can help, we hope that the Government will roll out this scheme quickly. Services are needed nationally, not just in Newham and Doncaster. Currently, this initiative is only available to adults of working age. We hope that the Government will extend CBT to people of all ages, especially older people, young people and to ethnic minority groups, who are often harder to reach and less likely to be offered talking therapy treatments by their GPs. It is particularly scandalous that young people who cannot take anti-depressants suffer long waits for CBT.”
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Notes to editors
For further information and interview requests contact please contact the Press Office on 020 7803 1128 / 1130 or email the press office
The Mental Health Foundation uses research and practical projects to help people survive, recover from and prevent mental health problems. We work to influence policy, including government at the highest levels. And we use our knowledge to raise awareness and to help tackle the stigma attached to mental illness. We reach millions of people every year through our media work, information booklets and online services.
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