A new report from England’s Children’s Commissioner has revealed that more than one million children were referred to mental health services in the last year alone, highlighting growing demand and increasing pressure on already stretched services.
According to the report, more than one million children had an active referral to children and young people’s mental health services in England during 2024–25. This marks the first time referrals have exceeded one million, representing a 10% increase compared with the previous year and almost double the number recorded in 2018–19.
Anxiety remained the most common reason for referral, accounting for 16% of all cases.
Commenting on the findings, England’s Children’s Commissioner, Rachel de Souza, said:
“There is no disguising the fact the figures in this report are stark.”
Long Waits Leave Children Without Support
Alongside rising demand, the report highlights growing waiting times for treatment. More than 60,000 children waited over two years for support in 2024–25, up from more than 44,000 the previous year. Overall, more than a third of children referred to services were still waiting to begin treatment.
De Souza said:
“These are not just numbers, but children whose lives have been put on hold for months and, in some cases, years waiting for support they urgently need.”
Previous research has also shown the impact of these delays. A study by the Royal College of Nursing found that some children experiencing a mental health crisis spent up to three days in A&E before being admitted to a specialist unit.