Lack of mental healthcare leaves vulnerable members at risk A new campaign has been launched to improve both the standards and availability of mental health provision across the UK. CounsellorsUK, an online register for accredited Counsellors and Psychotherapists, has launched the campaign to raise awareness of this important issue.
Emma from CounsellorsUK explains: “The current provision of mental health care in the UK is simply not providing adequate care for individuals in need, leaving more and more clients to turn to private therapy in desperation when telephone based CBT or group therapy fails to give them the support they need. In addition to this, there is currently no statutory regulation for the Counselling and Psychotherapy profession in the UK, potentially leaving vulnerable members of the community at risk.”
According to the NHS, the cost of mental illness in England has been estimated at £105.2 billion per year, including the direct costs of services, lost productivity at work, and reduced quality of life. Looking at this from an economic perspective, mental health costs each business approximately £1,000 per employee per year, or almost £26 billion across the UK economy.
Emma added: “We are therefore launching an online petition calling upon the Government to initiate a scheme that allows clients to choose their own Counsellor, who can specifically help them with their individual needs, and have the fees either fully paid for or subsidised, dependent on costs. Early and appropriate intervention can undoubtedly help to save significant sums of money in the longer term.”
The newly launched CounsellorsUK online register hopes to help guide people through this sea of information to find the right Counsellor or Psychotherapist in one place, allowing members of the public to find quality assured professional help and support online.
Run by qualified Counsellors and Psychotherapists, CounsellorsUK is there to help individuals in need of emotional support by providing access to reputable and appropriately qualified practitioners who are committed to the professional standards and ethics of their professional body and the profession.
Emma, from CounsellorsUK, explains: “People in need of support can use the register safe in the knowledge that it is run by professional practitioners who believe in appropriate training and continuing professional development as key factors in providing a safe and ethical service to clients. With no statutory regulation for the Counselling and Psychotherapy profession, anyone can set up in practice and this could leave the general public vulnerable. What makes CounsellorsUK different to the rest is that every single Counsellor or Psychotherapist is not only registered with a reputable professional body, but also has to adhere to an additional set of CounsellorsUK values – giving those in need the reassurance they need when seeking help and support.”
Officially launched on this week, CounsellorsUK has already attracted a list of Counsellors and Psychotherapists who are keen to sign up to the new platform. All of the Practitioners who are members of CounsellorsUK are registered with a professional body that has a minimum amount of face to face training with a supervised placement, continuing professional development, a properly structured code of ethics and a complaints procedure.
In addition to offering visitors an easy way to find a reputable and properly qualified Counsellor or Psychotherapist, the website offers help, support and advice for people who are not sure how to find the right Counsellor or Psychotherapist, because the team understand what an important decision this is.
Emma added, “Our focus is to help people find the help they need and de-stigmatise mental health issues. We are passionate about helping to connect those in need of emotional support with the right person to help them turn a corner and move forward with their lives. These core values are why we make a donation to Refuge, Young Minds, Together for Mental Wellbeing, SANE and Victim Support every time a new member joins our register.”
In addition to its core campaign to improve mental health provision from Government, CounsellorsUK is keen to work with the Department of Health to provide them with better data on the need for mental health support in the UK.