Rising Referrals for Children's Mental Health Services
The number of children referred to mental health services in England has increased by 10% within a year, surpassing one million referrals, according to a recent report. The data for 2024-2025 nearly doubles the figures recorded in 2018-19.
Anxiety was identified as the leading cause for referrals, representing 16% of all cases. Additionally, suspected autism cases surged by almost 50% in a single year, exceeding 96,000 referrals. Other neurodevelopmental disorders, including ADHD and Tourette's syndrome, also saw a rise of nearly 25%.
Children's Commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza highlighted these trends in her annual report, Children and Young People's Mental Health Services: 2024-25, cautioning that many children face prolonged waiting times for support.
Stark Inequalities and Long Waiting Periods
More than one-third of referred children are still awaiting treatment, with over 60,000 children waiting for more than two years—an increase from over 44,000 the previous year. Treatment rates remain low; fewer than 20% of children with suspected autism or other neurodevelopmental conditions received treatment in 2024-25. Those who did access services typically waited about one year.
Dame Rachel described the statistics as "stark," acknowledging some improvements in support but emphasizing the "colossal challenge" mental health services face as demand outpaces capacity and funding.
She stressed the need for a strategic shift toward integrated services across health, education, and social care to ensure children receive timely help within schools and communities.
The charity YoungMinds expressed serious concern regarding additional barriers and extended waiting times, especially affecting Black and racially minoritised children and young people, as well as those referred for suspected autism or neurodevelopmental disorders.
Data reveals that Black and Asian children are underrepresented in referrals. When referred, these children are more likely to be in severe distress or crisis. Specifically, 25% of Black children referred to mental health services were in crisis, compared with 16% of Asian children and 7.4% of White children. This disparity raises questions about why some ethnic minority children do not receive earlier intervention.
Socioeconomic factors also influence referrals: children from the poorest 10% of areas in England accounted for 15% of referrals, whereas those from the least deprived 10% made up 7.6%.
If you are experiencing distress or despair, support and help resources are available through the BBC Action Line.
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