Demand for talking therapies in the UK far outstrips supply, new NHS data released through mental health charity Mind shows.

It might surprise you to learn that NHS England sets itself a target of reaching just 15.8 percent of all people identified as likely to benefit from counselling.

Now new data demonstrates that even this small target is being missed across 60 percent of the country.

The latest data shows that the majority of commissioning groups are failing to commission enough resources to meet the low target.

120 out of 209 clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) in England missed the target,which is earmarked to rise to 25 per cent by the year 2021.

More people seeking help

"Thanks to anti-stigma campaigns and movements like Heads Together and Times to Change, there’s less of a taboo when it comes to mental health," said Sophie Corlett, Director of External Relations at Mind. 

"But as more people come forward and seek help, it’s vital that quality timely services are in place to meet increasing demand. No matter where you live in the country, we want to see everyone access the help they need, when they need it."

Annika, who lives with depression, continues to be offered cognitive behavioural therapy only. She says: It’s really important that anyone struggling with their mental health is offered a range of quality talking therapies, when they need them, in the same way that you’d receive treatment within a short space of time if you had a physical health problem.”

How does this make you feel? Join our Twitter chat on the counselling crisis at 12pm today, Wednesday June 28, using the hashtag #mhtchat