What is NHS Talking Therapies (IAPT: Improving Access to Psychological Therapies)?
by
The Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) programme was launched in England in 2008 to provide evidence-based treatments for common mental health problems such as depression and anxiety disorders. It is now rebranded under the umbrella of NHS Talking Therapies.
When to refer
Consider referring patients who present with:
- Mild to moderate depression
- Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD)
- Panic disorder, social anxiety, phobias, or health anxiety
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Subthreshold symptoms impacting functioning
- Medically unexplained symptoms where psychological factors are suspected
Referral process
- Self-referral is encouraged and widely available via local NHS Talking Therapies websites.
- GP referral remains important for patients with complex needs or who may struggle to access services on their own.
- Urgent risk (e.g. suicidal ideation with intent or plan) is not suitable for IAPT – refer to crisis services or community mental health teams instead.
What treatments are offered
Therapies are based on NICE guidelines, typically including:
- Low-intensity CBT: guided self-help, online CBT, psychoeducation groups
- High-intensity CBT: for more complex or persistent issues
- Counselling for depression
- Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR): for PTSD
- Some services also offer interpersonal therapy (IPT) or behavioural activation
Outcomes and follow-up
IAPT services routinely collect outcome measures such as PHQ-9 and GAD-7 to assess progress. Most patients will receive 6–12 sessions, and many improve significantly. GPs should review progress if patients do not engage or deteriorate.