Mental health waiting times
Request data on referrals and waiting times for mental health services.
Demand for mental health services has grown across Scotland. National waiting time targets exist, but local data tells you whether people in your area are actually being seen on time.
Dear [AUTHORITY NAME],
Please provide the following information for [QUARTER e.g. January to March 2025]:
1. The number of referrals received for [SERVICE e.g. adult mental health / child and adolescent mental health (CAMHS)].
2. The number of patients seen for a first assessment during the quarter.
3. The number of patients waiting for a first assessment at the end of the quarter, broken down by waiting time (under 4 weeks, 4 to 12 weeks, 12 to 18 weeks, over 18 weeks).
4. The number of patients waiting to start treatment after assessment at the end of the quarter.
I would prefer to receive this as a spreadsheet or CSV if possible.
Yours faithfully,
[YOUR NAME]
Who to send it to#
The relevant NHS board. Use the Commissioner’s directory of Scottish public authorities to find the right board for your area. You can also send your request through WhatDoTheyKnow, which publishes responses online.
Tips#
- Specify whether you want adult mental health services or child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS). These are tracked separately.
- Asking for a quarter aligns with how NHS boards report waiting times data.
- The Scottish Government target is that 90% of patients should start psychological therapies or CAMHS treatment within 18 weeks of referral. The 18-week clock runs to the start of treatment, not to first assessment. The data you get back will show whether the local board is meeting this target.
- If the board says this would exceed the cost limit, drop item 4 and focus on referrals and first assessment waits.