A CHARITY says more must be done to improve access to therapy and counselling for people in Scotland.

Research from the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) found its counsellors in Scotland could help 100,000 more people a year with six sessions of talking therapy.

This figure is based on the capacity of BACP members to see more clients if they were fully funded.

BACP is now calling on government leaders to prioritise funding for counselling and psychotherapy and work with health boards and local authorities.

Louise Robinson, BACP healthcare development manager, said: "With an increasing demand for counselling among Scottish people, and trained and qualified workers ready to provide this vital service, effective and timely access is both needed and achievable.

"We ask those wishing to govern Scotland after September 18 to commit now to increasing access to psychological therapies by taking forward policies that enable better use of BACP's membership."

BACP is a professional body and charity with more than 1,800 members in Scotland. It works to set standards for therapeutic practice and provide information for therapists, clients and members of the public.

Shane Buckeridge, BACP lead advisor for Scotland, said: "We are looking forward to working with the post-vote government, in whatever form it takes, to deliver more publicly-funded therapy for those most at need in Scotland. We hope to be a major force in putting wellbeing high on the national agenda."