Over 644,649 people completed the NHS Talking Therapy programme in 2020/21, a 5% increase on the year before.
According to the data found in the NHS England, Improving Access to Talking Therapies (IAPT) programme, more than half of the people who completed the course of treatment for conditions including depression and anxiety recovered from their illness.
Since the pandemic began, the number of adults suffering from mental health issues has doubled creatin more pressure on the NHS service.
The talking therapy programme runs by self-referral and helps people recover from common mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and stress.
Claire Murdoch, NHS England’s National Mental Health Director, said: “The world-leading NHS Talking Therapy programme has helped a record high number of people struggling with their mental health during the pandemic.
“Despite the huge impact of the pandemic and the NHS treating half a million seriously ill people with COVID-19, the health service increased the number of talking therapy sessions available to people and is set to expand the programme even further.
“I know the last year and a half has had a huge impact on the nation’s mental health and our message to people is clear: the NHS is open and staff want you to come forward, so please seek help either by referring yourself to the NHS talking therapy programme online or by contacting your local GP, particularly if you were one of the many people who felt unable to do so as the pandemic hit”.
Plans to expand the access of IAPT services has been outlines in the NHS Long Term Plan, which aims to provide support for 1.9 million people by 2023/24.
