An open letter to Sir Tony Blair

The BPS has responded to Sir Tony Blair's recent comments about mental health treatment. BPS President Dr Roman Raczka has published the following open letter. 

Dear Sir Tony Blair, 

Any opportunity to have a proper conversation about mental health is always very much welcomed, especially at a time when poor mental health costs the NHS an estimated £300bn every year. 

We should always promote open discussions about mental health wherever possible as well as encourage those in need to seek expert advice. Early and effective psychological interventions are a key part of the solution. It has been consistently proven these interventions reduce the long-term financial burden on the NHS, employers, and the economy. 

Any wider conversation on this subject must include urging government to properly fund mental health services and growing the mental health workforce, so people can get the vital support they require without long delays.

Dr Roman Raczka, President of the British Psychological Society