Improving Access to Psychological Therapies
Encyclopedia
Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) is a United Kingdom initiative to improve access to psychological therapies. It was a result of the economic evaluations
by Professor Lord Richard Layard and Labour Party policy.
The aim of the project is to increase the provision of evidence-based treatments for anxiety
and depression
by primary care
organisations. This includes workforce planning to adequately train the mental health professionals required
.
Initial indications show that the project has resulted in good clinical outcomes
and is cited as an good example of the use of stepped-care to disseminate cognitive behaviour therapy. It is predicted that by 2011, approximately 900 000 people will have received treatment, 3600 new staff will have been trained, possibly removing 25 000 people from sick pay and sickness benefits.
There has been some criticism for the sole use of cognitive behavioural therapy as the only funded therapy.
In December 2010, Paul Burstow, Minister for Care Services, announced an extension to the IAPT project to include Children and Young Peoples services.
by Professor Lord Richard Layard and Labour Party policy.
The aim of the project is to increase the provision of evidence-based treatments for anxiety
Anxiety
Anxiety is a psychological and physiological state characterized by somatic, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral components. The root meaning of the word anxiety is 'to vex or trouble'; in either presence or absence of psychological stress, anxiety can create feelings of fear, worry, uneasiness,...
and depression
Depression (mood)
Depression is a state of low mood and aversion to activity that can affect a person's thoughts, behaviour, feelings and physical well-being. Depressed people may feel sad, anxious, empty, hopeless, helpless, worthless, guilty, irritable, or restless...
by primary care
Primary care
Primary care is the term for the health services by providers who act as the principal point of consultation for patients within a health care system...
organisations. This includes workforce planning to adequately train the mental health professionals required
.
Initial indications show that the project has resulted in good clinical outcomes
and is cited as an good example of the use of stepped-care to disseminate cognitive behaviour therapy. It is predicted that by 2011, approximately 900 000 people will have received treatment, 3600 new staff will have been trained, possibly removing 25 000 people from sick pay and sickness benefits.
There has been some criticism for the sole use of cognitive behavioural therapy as the only funded therapy.
In December 2010, Paul Burstow, Minister for Care Services, announced an extension to the IAPT project to include Children and Young Peoples services.