Over a million children in England referred to mental health services in 2025

A new report from the Children’s Commissioner has highlighted the mounting pressure on children’s mental health services in England. More than one million children were referred to NHS mental health services in 2024–25 – almost double the number recorded in 2018-19, and an almost 10% rise on the previous year. Anxiety remains the biggest driver of referrals, while growing numbers of children are being assessed for suspected autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions. Although more young people are accessing care than ever before, demand continues to outstrip capacity, leaving more than a third of children still waiting for treatment, including over 60,000 who have been waiting for more than two years. The findings have prompted renewed calls for urgent reform, with Children’s Commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza warning that the system is struggling to keep up with rising need. Mental health charity Mind said lengthy waits are detrimental to children’s wellbeing, disrupt education and family life, and increase the risk of more serious problems developing. Campaigners are calling for greater investment in early intervention and a more joined-up approach across health, education and social care to prevent more children from reaching crisis point. Read more here.