Over a Million UK Children Seek Mental Health Support
Anxiety was the most common referral reason, and suspected autism cases rose almost 50% in a year, the report said.
- On Monday, Commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza released an annual report revealing 1,048,965 children had active mental health referrals in England, nearly double the 563,639 recorded in 2018–19.
- Referrals for suspected ADHD and autism soared 47 per cent to 96,393, while anxiety referrals climbed 12 per cent to 169,389, NHS England data shows.
- Children faced a weighted average wait of 128 days for treatment, with 60,041 individuals waiting over two years; the Commissioner described these delays as "common."
- A government review cautioned that rising ADHD and autism diagnoses may reflect improved recognition and "medicalisation of distress" rather than increased prevalence.
- Dame Rachel urged a fundamental shift, stating: "The way we look to support young people's mental health must change." She emphasized that improving children's wellbeing requires integrated action across government.
25 Articles
25 Articles
Over one million children referred for mental health support in a year
More children are being referred for mental health support, with figures exceeding one million (Picture: Getty Images) The number of children being referred to mental health services in England is on the rise. Latest figures from 2024-2025 are almost double those from 2018-2019. The annual report, Children and Young People’s Mental Health Services: 2024-25, also confirms that referrals have increased by 10% in the past year to exceed one million…
LBC
Rother Radio - Rotherham & Sheffield's Best Variety of Hits!‘Crisis’ as children’s mental health referrals top a million in a year
Children’s Commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza said she is “in no doubt that we are facing a crisis in young people’s mental health”
Sky News UK
Great Yorkshire RadioChildren facing mental health 'crisis' as referrals reach over one million
The children's commissioner for England says referrals for suspected autism have risen 47% in just one year, as she argues demand for support is outpacing capacity and funding.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 46% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
