Home » Top Tips » What is NHS talking therapy (IAPT)?
Andy Stein

What is NHS talking therapy (IAPT)?

Save article
This is how the AI article summary could look. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.

What is NHS talking therapy (IAPT)?

Talking therapists (previously called IAPTs; Improved Access to Psychological Therapy) are part of an NHS service that provides counselling (talking therapy).

They work within something called NHS Talking Therapies.

It is an effective alternative treatment to medication for a number of mental health conditions. In some cases, talk therapy may be recommended alongside medication.

So. How can you get to see one?

Self refer

In England, you can self-refer for talk therapy (you may need to be referred by your GP in other areas such as Wales). Your local mental health hospital website will usually have the contact details for your local talk therapy service.

How to find a talking therapist?

You can also search for your local by doing an internet search for your location eg ‘Oxford’ and ‘talking therapy’.

What is a talking therapist for? 

Talking therapists are able to provide help for a range of mental health difficulties including depression, anxiety, phobias, trauma related symptoms, stress and obsessive compulsive disorder. You are normally offered 6 sessions initially,

Summary

We have described what is NHS talking therapy. Please contact the service – the counsellors are very helpful and effective.

Other resources

This NHS video may help you.

Share this article

Your feedback matters to us!

Comments

    Comments are closed

    myHSN is here to help you get the best you can out of the NHS.

    Full of top tips and advice from health care professionals on how the NHS works and how you can make sure it works for you.
    Copyright © 2025 Health Service Navigator