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Mental health waits (within 6 weeks)

Percentage of NHS Talking Therapies (IAPT) referrals seen within six weeks of referral.

87 %
-0.7pp vs 2026-04

As of 2026-05

Historical trend

Trend summary

Mental health waits (within 6 weeks) was 87% in 2026-05, down from 88% in 2026-04.

Trend

  • Over the available record (2023-11–2026-05), it has ranged from 87% in 2026-05 to 93% in 2024-04.
  • The most recent reading is the lowest in the available record.

Context

  • NHS Talking Therapies statistics are published monthly by NHS England; they cover NICE-approved psychological therapies for depression and anxiety.
  • The six-week access standard replaced an earlier 18-week standard; comparisons before and after the 2012 target change require care.

Generated from the published series — describes direction, magnitude and range only, with no editorial judgement or forecasts.

About this indicator

Source
NHS Digital
Update frequency
Monthly
Last updated
10 July 2026
Next update
10 August 2026
Licence
OGL v3
Direction
↓ Falling

Statistics

Latest
87 %
Period high
90 %
Period low
87 %
Period average
89 %