Mental health targets breached for more than 168,000 patients, figures show

Mental health waiting targets have been breached for more than 168,000 people in Scotland, new figures have revealed.

The data, obtained through a Freedom of Information request by the Scottish Liberal Democrats, highlights breaches in both children and adult mental health services.

Mental health targets aiming for 90% of patients to begin treatment within 18 weeks were introduced in December 2014.

Since the policy was brought in, the figures show that the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) target has been missed for a total of 43,670 children and young people.

The Psychological Therapies (PT) target, which is meant to see 90% of patients receive treatment within 18 weeks, has been missed for 124,458 patients.

The PT target was breached for 15,151 patients in 2023 alone, marking the highest number of missed targets since the policy was introduced.

Alex Cole-Hamilton, leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats said: “While a broken arm would typically be treated immediately, people waiting for mental health care can face delays of months, if not years. This is unacceptable.

“The SNP Government has implemented significant cuts to mental health services, exacerbating the situation and making it harder to reduce waiting lists.

“There is a clear need for world-class mental health services in Scotland. By properly investing in mental health services, we can help individuals return to work and fully engage in education.

“It’s time for a change after a decade of unmet promises.”

The Scottish Government has been contacted for comment.