Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) waiting times in Western Trust 'shameful'

Waiting times for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) waiting times within the Western Health and Social Care Trust have been described as "shameful" by Aontú Ballyarnett representative Emmet Doyle.

Speaking on receipt of a Freedom of Information (FOI) request, Mr Doyle said: "Mental health services remain underfunded and in a state, despite the publication of the Mental Health Strategy, not fit for purpose in many ways.

"This is contrary to the work that staff across the Trust do on a day-to-day basis, but the figures I have received via a Freedom of Information request suggest that the waiting times for CBT have actually risen in the last number of years," he added.

"In 2020, there were 458 people on the waiting list, with the longest wait sitting at 2 and a half years.  In 2025, there are actually fewer people on the list, 288 - yet the waiting time has skyrocketed to over 4 years for an appointment.

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"This is shameful. People seeking CBT are often experiencing acute depression, anxiety and other illnesses, and the longer they wait, the more they will suffer poor mental health. The Western Trust need to ensure that there are adequate staff to offer this therapy, that they are well supported and that any barriers to initial assessments are addressed as soon as possible.

The number of people suffering with poor mental health is rising, and our health service needs to be funded and equipped to address that demand."