We’re always encouraged when discussions about mental health receive attention in Parliament. Recently, the NCPS had the opportunity to brief ministers ahead of the Westminster Hall debate on improving support for mental health, held on World Mental Health Day. We've heard a lot of promises around mental health in the past that haven't come to fruition, so at this point action is what really counts; thankfully, this debate offered a not-insignificant glimmer of hope that we might see real, tangible progress. We were also really glad to see that the role of counselling was well-recognised in the debate.
Counselling and psychotherapy were specifically mentioned as valuable interventions, especially in community-based support systems. The importance of early intervention came through strongly, with MPs discussing how mental health services could play a pivotal role in preventing more severe mental health crises by offering timely support.
What’s particularly promising is the mention of counselling in schools, with thanks to our colleagues at the BACP for raising this as well. There was recognition that placing counsellors in schools could help young people receive the mental health support they need at an early stage, preventing problems from escalating later in life. This is something that the NCPS are actively campaigning on - you can read more about that here.
Additionally, there was an acknowledgment of the role of community mental health hubs, which will have a significant impact on how people access mental health services in their local areas. This could open up opportunities for counsellors and psychotherapists to take on more community-based roles, offering support in more accessible, non-clinical environments. Such an approach could de-medicalise the support process and allow for a more person-centred, holistic form of mental health care, which resonates strongly with our ethos and belief that counselling is a vocation, built upon autonomy, creativity, and connection.
We’re determined to ensure that counselling & psychotherapy are central to any long-term mental health strategy. We’ve seen what happens when people don’t get the support they need early on - issues escalate, resources get stretched, and the human cost is immeasurable. So, we’ll continue to engage with MPs, policymakers, and ministers, making sure that our profession remains at the forefront of these conversations.
We’ll also be keeping the pressure on to see more concrete support for training, funding, and wider recognition of the role that counselling can play—not just in crisis moments, but in everyday mental health maintenance. Because if we want a society where people truly thrive, we need to recognise that mental health isn’t just about treatment; it’s about prevention, intervention, and ongoing support.
