Mental health services reached historic high in 2021

4.3 million referrals

Hemma Visavadia
clock • 2 min read

During 2021, mental health services received 4.3 million referrals as the impact of the pandemic continued to affect the population, according to new data from the Royal College of Psychiatrists.

Further analysis into NHS Digital data showed there were 3.3 million referrals to adult services and over one million referrals of under-18s in England between January and December 2021. When the Omicron variant hit in December 2021, an additional one million people received specialist treatment for conditions including addiction, anxiety, depression, eating disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder, further highlighting the overall toll of lockdown measures. In total, specialist mental health care services delivered 1.8 million consultations in December 2021. During the month, 424...

To continue reading this article...

Join COVER for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, key trend analysis and industry insights.
  • Stay on top of the latest developments around health and wellbeing, diversity and inclusion and the cost of living crisis.
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletter.
  • Members only access to monthly programme 'The COVER Review'
  • Be the first to hear about our CPD accredited events and awards programmes.

Join now

 

Already a Cover member?

Login

More on Individual Protection

One in five adults have made panic-driven financial decisions

One in five adults have made panic-driven financial decisions

Link between financial education and levels of anxiety

Jaskeet Briah
clock 24 February 2026 • 1 min read
CIExpert to expand Critical Thinking report to IP market

CIExpert to expand Critical Thinking report to IP market

Report slated for 12 March, 2026

Jaskeet Briah
clock 24 February 2026 • 2 min read
80% of adults believe younger generations are worse off today

80% of adults believe younger generations are worse off today

24% regret not having started to save sooner

Jaskeet Briah
clock 23 February 2026 • 2 min read