BPS responds to “Mental health industry is cheating the public” column published in the Times

The portrayal of psychology and mental health in the column Mental health industry is cheating the public is dangerously misleading. Contrary to the author's claims, psychology is indeed a science and one that applies sound scientific methodology to understand why people act the way that they do. We then use that knowledge and understanding to address real-world issues. To dismiss psychology is not only misinformed but also harmful to the millions who benefit from mental health interventions every single day. 

Furthermore, to label neurodivergence as a "bandwagon" is yet another example of how neurotypical people can misunderstand this area. This type of language only serves to perpetuate outdated stereotypes and can have a negative impact on the mental health of those who are neurodivergent. Similarly mislabelled, Personal Independent Payments (PIP) are not a "welfare benefit for people who are medically unfit to work". They are in fact a vital lifeline for millions for those who rely on them, many of whom who are in work.

Psychology is at work all around us in our everyday life and significantly contributes to society's overall wellbeing. To undermine this with outdated arguments does a disservice to the hundreds of thousands of professionals that are in the field and to the millions of people who benefit from their work. 

Dr Roman Raczka, President of the British Psychological Society