Written question asked by Paul Marsden (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 3 December 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 11 December 2002. It was answered by Lord Hutton of Furness (Labour) on Wednesday, 11 December 2002 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what the average waiting time to receive (a) counselling, (b) cognitive therapy and (c) psychotherapy was in each health authority in the last year for which figures are available. - Inc fact that data about waiting times for psychological therapy services is not collected centrally at the present time.

Answer: Mr. Paul Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the average waiting time to receive (a) counselling, (b) cognitive therapy and (c) psychotherapy was in each health authority in the last year for which figures are available. [86152] Mr. Hutton: Data about waiting times for psychological therapy services is not collected centrally at the present time. However, the mental health national service framework emphasises the importance of access to assessment for and ready access to effective psychological therapies.

Secondary information