NHS Talking Therapies and Psychological Therapies for Severe Mental Health Problems

The NHS Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board has recently awarded a contract for the provision of NHS Talking Therapies and Psychological Therapies for Severe Mental Health Problems. This contract, awarded under urgent circumstances via the Provider Selection Regime 2023, aims to ensure continuity of mental health services within the Mid and South Essex Health Economy. The procurement process, classified under community health services, took the form of an award without prior publication due to extreme urgency.

Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust has been designated as the service provider for the contract period from 1st April 2025 to 31st July 2025, with an estimated contract value of £2,049,271. This short-term contract addresses immediate health service needs while a full competitive procurement process is underway to select a long-term provider. This contract presents growth opportunities for businesses involved in providing mental health services, particularly those capable of delivering evidence-based therapeutic interventions for anxiety and depression.

While the current contract was awarded on an exceptional basis without competition, the forthcoming procurement process will seek technically capable providers for long-term service delivery. This setting is ideal for businesses with robust infrastructure and expertise in mental health, as well as those that can ensure seamless integration and avoid service disruptions. Companies providing a blend of face-to-face, online, and telephone consultations may particularly find advantageous opportunities in the upcoming competitive procurement phase.