Mental health services are not meeting men’s needs, association says

Mental health services are still falling short in meeting the specific needs of men and boys, according to the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).

In its response to the Department of Health and Social Care’s consultation on the forthcoming Men’s Health Strategy, BACP calls for significant changes in how mental health support is designed, delivered, and funded, warning that “feminised” services and systemic barriers continue to deter men from seeking help.

Findings from BACP’s 2025 Public Perceptions Survey reveal a mixed picture. While more men are accessing therapy today than 15 years ago, stigma remains a significant barrier: 47% of men still perceive therapy as stigmatised, compared to 38% of women.

“Men and boys experience mental distress differently and face distinct risk factors compared to women and girls. Yet many still only seek help at crisis point. Destigmatising emotional vulnerability could make accessing support more acceptable and prevent unnecessary suffering,” Martin Bell, BACP’s Head of Policy and Public Affairs, said.

BACP’s submission highlights several structural problems. Firstly, counselling and psychotherapy services are often perceived as designed for women, discouraging men from engaging.

Additionally, men are significantly underrepresented across the psychological professions, reinforcing the belief that services aren’t for them. Compounding this are internalised gender norms where harmful stereotypes around masculinity and help-seeking continue to create barriers to early intervention.

To encourage early help-seeking, BACP has previously launched the R.A.I.S.E. campaign — highlighting five key warning signs of depression in men: Risk-taking, Anger, Isolation, Substance abuse, and Exhaustion. The campaign urges family, friends, and professionals to identify these indicators and support men to access services sooner.

However, BACP warns that increasing numbers of men accessing therapy may mask deeper problems. Rising demand could reflect escalating levels of distress rather than improved wellbeing.

The response also calls for better engagement with racialised men and boys, who are disproportionately affected by poor mental health outcomes. BACP points to evidence that their distress is more likely to be pathologised, leading to higher rates of detention under the Mental Health Act.

BACP’s submission makes a series of recommendations designed to make mental health services more inclusive and effective for men and boys, including boosting male representation and co-designing services with men and boys.

BACP also stresses the importance of sustained investment in third-sector organisations delivering community-based support, warning that short-term funding models undermine effective long-term change.

“If we want to normalise conversations about mental health among men and boys, we need services that speak to them, represent them, and meet them where they are,” Bell added.