Scotland’s Mental Health Strategy

As an amendment to motion S4M-05444 in the name of Michael Matheson (Scotland’s Mental Health Strategy), insert at end "; is concerned that antidepressant prescribing continues to rise and believes that patients must be able to have local access to alternative treatments, including talking therapies, when this is judged to be the best option for the individual; notes the UK Government’s investment of £400 million over the spending review period to improve access to psychological therapies in England, which it is estimated will result in over £700 million of savings to the public purse; considers that increasing access to talking therapies for all of those who need it should be a priority for the Scottish Ministers, and recognises that mental health is not just an NHS issue but is at the core of Scotland’s wellbeing and ability to flourish."