The NHS is turning to digital therapies to meet the rising demand for mental health services, with record numbers of people seeking help for anxiety and depression
In 2023/24, the NHS Talking Therapies service received 1.82 million referrals, more than double the 884,000 recorded in 2012/13.
Accessing mental health care on the NHS
This surge in demand, partly driven by the impact of COVID-19, has prompted the NHS to explore innovative ways to expand access to mental health care.
NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) has recommended several digital therapies to help treat anxiety and depression in adults.
These online therapies are based on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) principles and are designed to be used alongside the support of a trained therapist. The aim is to relieve some of the pressure on NHS staff while ensuring patients continue to receive high-quality care.
Digital therapies for mental health
Digital therapies have the potential to significantly reduce the number of hours therapists spend with patients. According to NICE’s assessments, digital therapies for anxiety disorders could save around 6,000 therapist hours per 1,000 patients, while technologies designed for depression could save approximately 6,800 hours per 1,000 patients. For patients with PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), the savings are estimated to be even more, with more than 5,000 therapist hours potentially saved per 1,000 people.
The introduction of these therapies could enable NHS Talking Therapies to offer faster and more flexible support. Patients can access treatment through apps or online platforms, making it easier for them to receive care without the need for in-person appointments. However, the actual number of therapist hours saved will depend on how many patients opt to use digital therapies.
Mental health care is available to everyone
NICE’s recommendations also highlight the importance of ensuring that these digital therapies are accessible to everyone. Clinicians are encouraged to provide technological support to help patients who may face barriers to using digital tools. While digital therapies will not be suitable for everyone, they offer an important option for many.
The future of mental health care is likely to see even more digital innovation, with NICE predicting a greater focus on prevention and early intervention. Emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, wearables, and virtual reality could further revolutionise the field.
