Two-thirds of people with a common mental health problem also have a long-term physical health condition, greatly increasing the pain they are in and the cost of their care. By integrating psychological therapy with physical health services, the NHS can provide a more efficient support to this group of people and achieve better outcomes.

For instance, Sheffield Health and Social Care NHS Foundation Trust has developed a course combining physical and mental health care to help patients deal with chronic pain. By offering techniques to manage and reduce physical pain, this course also helps patients stay active and improve their mental wellbeing.