A Campaign to Transform Mental Health in the Medical Aesthetics Industry

The aesthetics industry has seen tremendous growth over the years, but with this rise comes a critical challenge: safeguarding the mental health of patients seeking cosmetic treatments.
#PREPÆREDforChange is a patient-led initiative calling for the integration of mental health considerations into standard practice, ensuring that psychological well-being is a cornerstone of cosmetic treatments.
Why Mental Health in Medical Aesthetics Matters
The connection between mental health and cosmetic procedures is undeniable. Research reveals that over 20% of individuals seeking aesthetic treatments live with Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), and nearly half have a history of diagnosed psychiatric conditions. For practitioners, this underscores a crucial duty of care: failing to conduct proper psychological screening can result in patient dissatisfaction, heightened distress, or severe outcomes such as an increased suicide risk. BDD, in particular, distorts self-perception, which can impair a patient’s ability to provide informed consent.
The impact extends beyond patients—practitioners also face significant risks, including reputational damage and legal consequences, when mental health considerations are neglected.
A Patient-Led Movement
The #PREPÆREDforChange campaign is driven by those who truly understand the stakes—patients and experts with both lived and professional experience at the intersection of mental health and aesthetics. Leading the charge alongside PREPÆRE's founder, Brea Cannady, are campaign ambassadors advocating for mental health safeguards in the industry.
Ambassadors like Mia Hill share their deeply personal journeys, with Mia reflecting on her experience of Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD): “BDD makes you strive for something that doesn’t exist… perfection. What PREPÆRE is doing is very much needed, and I’m in full support.” George Mycock, founder of MyoMinds and a PhD researcher into men’s body image issues, echoes the urgency of addressing mental health in this space: “Understanding the psychological side of appearance is vital for creating meaningful change.”
Fellow Ambassador, journalist Ella Delancey Jones, explains how her BDD diagnosis became a turning point, empowering her to advocate for mental health in aesthetics: “Mental health support should be an integral part of conversations around aesthetic procedures.”
The campaign also gains support from experts with both knowledge and lived experience. Jolene Williams-Pears, a medical aesthetics compliance specialist and the founder of Outstanding Compliance, highlights the importance of holistic care: “Mental health is a critical factor in aesthetic decision-making. I’m proud to stand with PREPÆRE in prioritising safety, compassion, and informed decision-making.” Ambassador June Van Veer, founder of June.tess, shares her personal story of overcoming negative body image and eating disorders to help others: “I know how it feels to think an aesthetic procedure will finally bring self-acceptance… only to realise it doesn’t work that way.” By amplifying the voices of those directly affected, #PREPÆREDforChange aims to create a safer, more compassionate industry that prioritises patient well-being over profit.
The campaign is further supported by forward-thinking clinics like Medika Clinic, led by Dr. Kamran Amjed, and Wimpole Clinics, a leader in the hair transplant industry, both of which are committed to implementing mental health safeguarding measures.
Support also extends to industry consultancies such as EQUALS3 and Consultation Catalyst, which are helping to drive change in aesthetic practices. PREPÆRE is especially proud to partner with The Body Image Treatment Clinic, Harley Street, founded by Thomas Midgley (BSc, RD, PGDip, CBT). Specialising in psychological conditions related to appearance, this collaboration strengthens PREPÆRE’s solutions by providing a seamless referral pathway for patients requiring further assessment or specialist mental health support.
The Vision Behind #PREPÆREDforChange
#PREPÆREDforChange focuses on four key areas to create a safer, more compassionate aesthetic industry:
Clear Screening Guidelines: Practitioners need effective tools and protocols to identify mental health vulnerabilities like BDD, depression, or anxiety. By assessing motivations and expectations, they can ensure patients are ready for procedures.
Empowered Patients: Educating patients about the importance of mental health fosters transparency and trust. Encouraging honest conversations and viewing mental health support as empowering helps patients feel supported while preserving their autonomy.
Continuity of Care: Patients turned away without guidance often feel rejected and unsupported. Strengthening collaboration between aesthetic practitioners and mental health professionals can ensure patients receive ongoing support, creating a safety net for vulnerable individuals.
Industry Standards: Standardising mental health protocols is essential to prevent unethical practices and "doctor shopping," where patients seek out less responsible providers. A consistent approach across the industry safeguards both patients and practitioners.
Let’s Shape the Future Together
#PREPÆREDforChange is more than a campaign; it’s a call to action for an industry transformation. Together, we can ensure that mental health is no longer an afterthought but a fundamental part of the aesthetic journey. Because every patient deserves to feel safe, supported, and #PREPÆRED.
Join us today and help create a safer, more compassionate future for everyone in Medical Aesthetics. We’re inviting individuals, organisations, and companies to stand with #PREPÆREDforChange. For more information, visit the campaign page or reach out to info@prepaere.com.