Vitality has reported a 500% increase in the numbers of people claiming for talking therapies since 2015.
The data for up to the end of 2022 reveals talking therapies accounted for 85% of all mental health claims in 2022, with the most common claims being for generalised anxiety (58%) and depression (17%).
The insurer also noted a correlation between higher numbers of talking therapies, and reduced rates of more severe and higher cost day-patient and in-patient treatments (down 77% since 2015).
While around 99% of those using the service required no further treatment within three months, further analysis showed a causal relationship between talking therapies treatment and people’s broader mental and physical health.
There was a 21% reduction in the risk of mental health hospital admissions, and a 20% reduction in other hospitalisations due to physical health (such as cancer, cardiac and musculoskeletal claims).
Dr Keith Klintworth, managing director at VitalityHealth, (pictured) said: “For both physical and mental health, Vitality has long believed in the importance of prevention and intervening early through everyday care to improve patient outcomes, and to reduce the long-term burden of ill-health on insurers and the NHS.
“Our latest data highlights the powerful role that broadening access to mental health care can have in delivering care.
“Not only is it a high-demand service but it provides positive knock-on impacts on members’ mental and physical health.
“We’ve always strived to support our members in engaging with healthy behaviours, and this goes beyond regular exercise and diet, but includes looking after your mind.”