Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) was officially launched in 2008 and is a national NHS programme, which offers evidence based psychological therapies or interventions approved by the National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). IAPT is primarily for treating people with mild to moderate mental health issues such as anxiety disorders, depression and post traumatic stress disorder.
IAPT is based on 4 key principles:
IAPT treatments are delivered via a stepped care model where patients are initially offered low intensity therapies such as computerised cognitive behavioural therapy (cCBT) and guided self help. If such treatments are unsuccessful or not appropriate for individuals higher intensity therapies are utilised, which include one to one cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or interpersonal therapy (IPT).
Within Yorkshire and the Humber the Mental Health Network has established an IAPT Providers’ Network to support quality and innovation whilst also ensuring clear communication links to Mental Health Commissioners.
The Mental Health Network assists the IAPT Providers Network by: