Understanding why the waiting list of NHS services is so long can be difficult to assess.
Mental health care in the UK is at a tipping point. While awareness and openness around mental wellbeing have grown significantly in recent years, access to treatment remains a major challenge—especially within the NHS.
For individuals facing depression, anxiety, trauma, or other mental health struggles, long waits for therapy can worsen symptoms and derail recovery.
However due to the pressure on NHS services and lack of funding, the waiting time for services such as CBT has spiralled in some cases to over 2 years.
As of the end of 2024, there are approximately 1.7 million people still waiting for community mental health care, such services include psychologist or psychiatrist appointments for depression, anxiety, OCD and stress.
On average, people have waited between 3-10 months on average just to have an initial consultation to talk about specific issues. CBT online waiting lists are still some of the longest coming in at around 6-12 months in some cases, with users reporting a wait times of over 55 weeks for EMDR treatments.
Surveys conducted by Rethink Mental Illness show the real human cost:
80% of patients said their mental health worsened while waiting.
64% experienced a crisis during the delay.
1 in 4 attempted suicide while on the waiting list.
42% ended up needing emergency support.
33% reported losing work or employment due to poor mental health.
If you or someone you love is stuck on an NHS waitlist:
Ask your GP for updates regularly for referral statuses and timelines.
Explore community organisations or charities offering mental health support.
Consider private therapy this can be a perfect way of seeking help now while waiting for the services of the NHS to become available.
Use digital and self-help resources like CBT apps or guided workbooks.
If things worsen, go back to your GP—they may be able to escalate your case.
We understand that not everyone can wait weeks or months to feel better. At Clear Mind CBT, we offer fast, compassionate access to:
We aim to support those who feel stuck between needing help and not being able to access it. Whether you’re waiting on the NHS, considering private care for the first time, or just want to explore your options, we’re here to talk.
