Adult cognitive behavioural therapy to be adapted for children

Cognitive behavioural therapy and parenting therapy will form the government’s new attempt to tackle mental health issues affecting children.

Currently, one in ten children aged between five and sixteen years has been diagnosed with a mental health problem.

To help them with treatment, successful elements of adult psychological therapies will be adapted to help treat children.

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said: “This investment in children’s mental health is vital. Talking therapies are proven to work, and so we are expanding services to treat children and young people with the tailored care that they need.

“With one in ten children and young people suffering from a mental health problem, we cannot ignore the issue or hope that existing services for adults will work for children.”