Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT)

How can I access psychological therapies?

Did you know that you can refer yourself to our talking therapies services? Talking therapies, or psychological therapies, are effective and confidential treatments delivered by fully trained and accredited NHS practitioners. They can help with common mental health problems like stress, anxiety and depression. You can access talking therapies for free on the NHS.

Our Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) Service offers short-term talking therapy to give you space to talk. 

You can refer yourself to IAPT by phoning your local service directly. 

What to expect when you contact IAPT 

If you are feeling anxious or overwhelmed about making the call yourself but would like to access help, you can ask your GP, health visitor, a friend or a family member to help you make that first call. 

When you first telephone, you will be asked for some brief details. A time will be arranged for you to speak to one of the therapists. This appointment will be booked as soon as possible and is often over the phone. The first appointment is to find out about your current difficulties. This helps us decide how we can best help you. At the end of the appointment, we will discuss the support options available and agree a plan. All IAPT services aim to be flexible. We want to make it as easy as possible for you to get the help you need. We can usually offer you a choice of locations for your appointment in an accessible space.