West Midlands Mental Health Clinic Experiences Surging Demand Amid Extended NHS Waiting Lists

Purple House Clinic Birmingham, a provider of mental health and neurodiversity services, has reported soaring demand for its services over the last two months, with an increase of over 50% in adult, young people, and children’s inquiries. Having only recently opened its doors in Coleshill, the clinic has grown a team of four new psychologists to help meet the needs of people struggling with their mental health.

Dr. Danielle Grey, Clinical Director of Purple House Clinic Birmingham, believes a combination of factors has led to the surge in demand across the West Midlands, from long NHS waiting lists to increased strain on statutory services and the long-term impact of the pandemic. “It has become very evident that there is a pressing need for mental health support services across Birmingham, particularly for younger children aged between five to seven. Whilst the physical effect of the pandemic was easy to spot, I think the mental impact is only becoming clearer now and has left a growing number of children with unprecedented challenges.”

To mark Children’s Mental Health Week (5th – 11th February), analysis from the Royal College of Psychiatrists showed a staggering rise in the number of children in England being referred for emergency mental healthcare. In just four years, psychiatrists and their teams have seen a 53% increase in the number of children in mental health crisis, who need emergency support.1

Echoing this national concern, a closer look at regional data reveals a similar pattern in the Birmingham and Solihull areas. With the number of children in contact with mental health services increasing from 2,750 in April 2018 to 4,535 in May 20232, these are alarming numbers and demonstrate the urgent need to provide the right support for young people and children across the UK.

“Although our clinic is still relatively new to the area, I am so pleased that we have been able to provide a service that can make a positive impact on the lives of our local community. We are building a team of psychologists, educational psychologists and occupational therapists so people can access timely support when most needed, whether that be for therapy or neurodiversity assessments. We all have mental health; it affects anyone. Seeking mental health support can be a difficult step, but it is so important to think about our emotional wellbeing and how we look after our mental health”. added Danielle.

As well as providing individual support to adults and children, Purple House Clinic offers a range of tailored psychological therapies, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Compassion Focussed Therapy (CFT).

Purple House Clinic Birmingham is located at School House, Unit 1 St Philip’s Courtyard, Coleshill, Birmingham, B46 3AD.

1 – “We cannot allow childhood mental illness to become the new norm” – Royal College of Psychiatrists

2 – The West Midlands Mental Health Commission 2022-23

For more information about Purple House Clinic Birmingham and the therapies it offers, call 0121 820 7851 or visit www.purplehouseclinic.co.uk/psychologists-birmingham.

For further information or photos, please contact Alex Inch at 07766514001 or email alex@revpr.co.uk