Improving Access to Psychological Therapies
IAPT Quick links:
West Midlands IAPT sites announced
The National Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) programme seeks to deliver on the Government's 2005 General Election manifesto commitment to provide improved access to psychological therapies or ‘talking therapies' for people who require the help of mental health services.
At the moment many people experiencing mild to moderate depression find that accessing psychological therapies through the NHS can mean a long wait. However, evidence suggests that psychological therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) are as effective as medication in the treatment of depression and anxiety. People with mental health problems have also identified a preference to receive talking therapies rather than medication. For more about the national programme go to the IAPT website
In October 2007 the Secretary of State for Health announced a programme of funding to help expand the psychological therapies workforce. The funding will mean that by 2011 there will be an additional 3600 people trained to provide CBT. The new workforce will comprise low intensity therapy workers and high intensity therapists. Low intensity workers will provide supported self help, group work and some face to face and telephone based psychological support. High intensity therapist will deliver longer periods of CBT for those people who need it.
Services will be structured in steps so that people with milder conditions are supported using a self help approach whilst those with more severe depression or anxiety may move to more intensive therapy.
If you would like to know more about the programme or become part of the regional network please contact Tom Howell.