What is IAPT?
The Improving Access to Psychological Therapies programme began in 2008 and is now perhaps the most ambitious talking therapies programme in the world. As part of the NHS Long Term Plan, access to IAPT services will be expanded to cover a total of 1.9 million adults by 2023/24.7,8
People living in England can refer themselves directly to a psychological therapies service with no GP referral required. The NHS website (www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-psychological-therapies-service) has a search tool to identify local services providers.9
IAPT is based on NICE guidance and offers low and high intensity treatment depending on the type and severity of the problem. Many mild to moderate cases follow a ‘stepped care’ model, with most people offered a low intervention approach initially. If the treatment is successful, the patient is discharged, but those continuing with symptoms are stepped up to a high intensity therapy.5
People with more severe symptoms, social anxiety disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are normally initiated on high intensity treatment programme.
In 2018/19, those referred averaged 6.9 sessions of treatment, although the mean for recovered referrals was 7.6 sessions. Of those referrals finishing treatment, around 84 per cent had a positive outcome, with 49 per cent recording recovery and 35 per cent an improvement in their mental health, Around 13 per cent saw no reliable change while 3 per cent saw a deterioration.5