New analysis of NHS data on mental health waiting times

People are eight times more likely to wait over 18 months for mental health treatment than physical health treatment, NHS data reveals 

• New analysis of NHS data by Rethink Mental Illness suggests eight times as many people are still waiting for mental health treatment after 18 months compared to physical health care. 

• Charity calls on the government to give mental health the same attention and focus as physical health - seizing the opportunity to drive a step change in tackling mental health waiting lists and in doing so, shifting care into the community and driving economic growth.  

According to recent NHS data* analysed by the charity, 16,522 people are still waiting for mental health treatment after 18 months, compared to 2,059people facing the same delay for elective physical health treatments, such as dermatology, ophthalmology and orthopaedic care. In recent years the data has continuously painted a stark picture suggesting those facing the longest waits for mental health care are now waiting nearly two years (658 days), more than twice as long as those needing elective physical health treatment (299 days). 

Despite the government’s commitment to tackling long waits through its Plan for Change – which includes a target for 92% of patients to start treatment within eighteen weeks – this plan does not currently include any commitment to tackling waits for mental health services. 

Rethink Mental Illness warns that excluding mental health from this commitment risks undermining the government’s ambition for economic growth. With record and increasing numbers of people out of work due to poor mental health, ensuring prompt treatment can help improve lives, support people who are well enough to enter or remain in work, and boost productivity. 

Last year, the charity’s Right Treatment, Right Time report found that four in five people living with severe mental illness reported that their health deteriorated while waiting for treatment, resulting in challenges such as suicide attempts, A&E visits, and time off work, with some individuals losing their jobs as a consequence. 

Insufficient action from previous administrations has contributed to the long waits now faced by people with mental illness, with services under growing strain from increased demand. Rethink Mental Illness is urging the government to commit to reducing mental health waiting times as part of its broader NHS reforms, ensuring parity of esteem is not just a promise, but a reality.  

Brian Dow, Deputy Chief Executive of Rethink Mental Illness, said: 

"Poor mental health is more than a bad day – it can prove debilitating and put lives on hold until the right treatment and support can be put in place. At a time when demand for mental health services remains high and services are stretched to capacity, a clear plan to reduce long waiting lists would make a meaningful difference. This recent data highlights an important disparity, and this government has an important opportunity to turn the tide and make real progress towards achieving true parity between mental and physical health. 

“It’s vital to recognise the domino effect that poor mental health has on someone’s life and wider society. People up and down the country are facing serious challenges due to poor mental health, forced out of education, struggling to return to work and being hospitalised at the point of crisis. We understand the Treasury faces tough decisions in allocating NHS resources, but a dedicated plan to address mental health waiting times would help thousands of people to access vital support, and get their lives back on track. This is a moment to drive a real step-change in how we support people experiencing poor mental health, supporting recovery and driving greater productivity.” 

Elizabeth**, 47, waited over a year for treatment for schizoaffective disorder. She said: 

“I was given a number to ring but no one ever answered. The one time I did get through, I got passed in a complete circle back to the original phone operator who told me to try another day. Lack of care has had a significant impact on my life. I’ve had a serious lack of sleep and mania for eight months. I graduated from a PhD three years ago, but have been unable to secure work since due to my illness. The long-term impact of psychiatric medications has damaged me so badly that I am now being referred to a memory clinic for potential dementia. People experiencing mental illness need care and treatment.” 

ENDS 

Notes to editor 

*Data taken from the NHS Mental Health Services Monthly Statistics, Performance December 2024, released 13 February 2025, and NHS England - Consultant-led Referral to Treatment Waiting Times Data 2024-25 - December 2024, released 13 February 2025.

**Name has been changed to protect identity.  

For further information, contact Jamie Morrell, Media Manager, at media@rethink.org or by calling 0207 840 3138.

About Rethink Mental Illness 

Rethink Mental Illness is the charity for people severely affected by mental illness. No matter who a person is or how bad their situation has got, we are here to help them get the information and support they need to live a better life.  

We work tirelessly to ensure people living with mental illness and their carers are listened to, treated fairly and have easy access to services that meet their mental health needs and wider physical health, financial, housing, work and volunteering needs. 

We do this by providing our own services, campaigning on a local and national level, and working with a wide range of other organisations to create communities that care.