IAPT (Improved Access to Psychological Therapy) is 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. What is an NHS IAPT – and how can you get to see one?
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.
You can also search for your local IAPT service by doing an internet search for your location eg ‘Oxford’ and ‘IAPT’.
IAPT 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,
You may find talking to someone difficult. So IAPT may also offer guided self-help as well.
We have described what is an NHS IAPT (talking therapist). Please contact them – they are very helpful and effective.
This NHS video may help you.