Royal College of Psychiatrists Campaign Boosts Recruitment Amid Rising Demand for Mental Health Services

The Royal College of Psychiatrists is actively encouraging medical students and newly qualified doctors to consider a career in psychiatry, as part of its ongoing #ChoosePsychiatry campaign. The initiative is aimed at addressing the increasing demand for mental health services and ensuring more professionals are available to support individuals with severe mental illnesses.

Comedian Jo Brand, who has a background as a psychiatric nurse, emphasized the critical role of psychiatrists, particularly in the wake of the psychological impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on younger populations. Brand stated, “As an ex mental health nurse from 1978 to 1988, I have witnessed and attest to the importance and invaluable contribution of psychiatrists.”

Notable figures supporting the campaign include actor Stephen Fry, communicator Alastair Campbell, and comedians Ruby Wax and Jo Brand, each highlighting how psychiatry has played a crucial part in their lives. Fry, a prominent mental health advocate, commented, “Young people preparing for medical careers are realising more and more that the most exciting frontier in medicine is the human mind. But its study is more than just an intellectual challenge, it is a pathway to a life in psychiatry.” He further shared his personal experience when psychiatry had a life-saving impact.

According to the Royal College, there were approximately 1.6 million referrals to community-based mental health services in March 2024 in England, with many individuals still awaiting treatment. The organization stresses that as mental health issues become increasingly common, psychiatrists are integral to maintaining and improving the nation’s mental health.

The #ChoosePsychiatry campaign, now in its eighth year, has positively influenced the number of doctors entering the field. It not only focuses on recruitment but also on ensuring that medical professionals complete their psychiatry training, thereby securing the future effectiveness of mental health care. The campaign runs until the end of November and is calling for long-term engagement from medical students interested in diverse specialities such as addictions, eating disorders, and forensic psychiatry.

Brand further commented on the campaign’s goals, stressing the necessity of encouraging medical students to explore the unique opportunities within psychiatry. She remarked on the speciality’s holistic approach, which treats the individual’s mental, physical, and social health needs, and urged those considering a medical career to keep an open mind regarding psychiatry’s rewarding prospects.