There is a clear economic case for the comprehensive spending review to recommend widespread investment in talking therapies, according to research published today (August 2) by mental health charity Rethink.

The findings are supported by official figures which show that someone with mental illness has ten times less spent on their care than someone with cancer, even though more years are lost to mental health conditions in the UK than cancer.

Staff at Kings College London and the London School of Economics conducted an evidence review for Rethink of information about the cost effectiveness of talking therapies and initiatives to reduce mental health stigma and discrimination. The report, The Next Lap: Taking mental health to the finishing line, suggests that:

Computerised Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CCBT) should be used more often as it can help people gain and retain employment
Getting help to people with psychosis early on can result in significant savings because of lower future hospital admission rates.
Paul Jenkins, Rethink’s Chief Executive said: “This Rethink report shows it makes sound economic sense to invest in talking therapies. It is only right and proper that cancer care should be a government priority and get the resources it needs. However, it is unacceptable that someone with mental health problems, who in theory is also a government priority, gets ten times less spent on their care.”

For more information, download the report or click the link below

Simon
Viewpoint Webteam

SOURCE: RETHINK