LONDON — Britain's mental health services are facing renewed financial pressure, with NHS providers warning that staffing reductions and service cuts could lead to longer waits for patients across England.

The warning comes just days after the government announced a major expansion of community mental health services, including new NHS facilities designed to provide earlier treatment closer to patients' homes.

More than two-thirds of NHS mental health trusts surveyed are reportedly preparing to reduce services, while more than half are considering job cuts. Leaders have warned that rising demand and increasingly difficult financial targets are putting pressure on frontline care.

Children and young people could be particularly affected, with child and adolescent mental health services, crisis support and talking therapies among the areas facing financial challenges.

The government has committed substantial funding to expand community-based mental health care, including 159 new facilities under a £343 million programme. Ministers say the strategy should help people receive support earlier and reduce pressure on emergency departments.

However, health leaders argue that expanding facilities will not automatically improve access without enough doctors, nurses, therapists and other specialist staff.

The growing divide between expansion plans and financial pressures is becoming a major test for NHS health policy. If services are expected to treat more people while reducing costs, providers will face difficult decisions over staffing, waiting times and the range of support available.

The coming months will show whether the government's community-care strategy can deliver improved access while NHS providers continue to manage significant financial and workforce pressures.