IAPT offer psychological treatments for older people
Feedback and outcome statistics show that many people aged 60 + benefit from psychological therapy. However national statistics show that older people often do not access help from their local IAPT service.
The IAPT (Improving Access to Psychological Therapies) service offers a range of psychological therapies for people, including older adults, who are suffering from low mood, stress and anxiety. The Coventry, Warwickshire and Solihull IAPT service has recently produced a poster to promote the fact that free NHS psychological treatments are available to older people in the Coventry, Warwickshire and Solihull area.
Katie McLean, Coventry IAPT Locality lead and Older Adults lead said ‘There are a number of reasons why older people may not access help from IAPT services nationally. Some older people feel there is a stigma around psychological problems, for others there is simply a lack of awareness that psychological treatments can help. Some older people may have difficulties getting to appointments. We are really trying to work with these issues and make our services more available and accessible to older people. Our new poster is aimed at letting older people know about the service that IAPT offers and that talking therapies can help people suffering from common mental health problems.’
The IAPT team is based at various locations across Coventry, Warwickshire and Solihull. IAPT staff often work in GP surgeries and other community venues to ensure that appointments are local and easily accessible for people over 65. Anyone who is feeling depressed, anxious or low in mood is encouraged to contact IAPT for help and support.
If people are registered with a GP in Coventry, Warwickshire or Solihull, they can refer themselves directly to the IAPT service by calling 024 7667 1090. Alternatively, they can talk to their GP or other health professional who can refer them to the IAPT service.
Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust’s IAPT service works closely with organisations such as Age UK to offer high quality and accessible services to older people.