Harrow Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT)
The Harrow IAPT Service was launched in February 2011
The Harrow Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) offers access to talking therapy and employment based services, which are provided in partnership by CNWL Foundation NHS Trust and Mind in Harrow, the mental health charity. NHS Harrow funds the service. It is part of a wider national agenda to offer evidence-based therapies, which provide choice and early intervention to people affected by anxiety and depression.
For more information about the government’s national Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT), please visit www.iapt.nhs.uk
Who is it for?
The service is aimed at individuals who are 18 years and over living in Harrow, who are experiencing depression or anxiety, which can affect most people at some time in their lives.
What’s on offer?
The service can offer
· One-to-one sessions
· Group sessions
· Employment support
The IAPT team consists of Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners (PWP’s), High Intensity Workers (HI) and an Employment Support Coordinator (ESC).
One-to-one sessions
The PWP’s and HI workers offer a range of one-to-one support options, depending on your choice and needs.
PWP’s work with those affected by mild to moderate anxiety or depression. Their role is similar to a ‘self help coach’ as they support people by offering guided self-help to aid the person in their own recovery. Individual support offered by the PWP’s can include face-to-face, over the telephone and/or computer/web based depending on your needs and preference. They can offer up to 6 sessions of one-to-one support.
HI workers support people with people affected by more severe anxiety and depression. Their role aims to provide more intensive support via 1-1 therapeutic sessions using different psychological interventions. They can offer up to 12 sessions of one-to-one support.
All interventions offered by the PWP’s and HI team members will be based on the cognitive behavioural model (CBT). CBT aims to identify thoughts, beliefs and behaviours that may be contributing to your difficulties.
Group sessions
PWPs also run groups for those with those affected by mild to moderate anxiety or depression offering a guided self-help approach to aid recovery. The groups usually have a maximum of 15 people attending and run for 2 sessions of 3 hours.
Employment support
The ESC will work alongside the PWP’s and HI workers focusing on employment-based support in order to help facilitate the recovery process. You will be supported to help retain your current employment, return to work or look at other re-training opportunities. The ESC will work with people affected by anxiety and depression who are:
• In work and struggling
• On statutory or employer sick pay
• Claiming out of work welfare benefits
All the assistance offered within this service will be personalised to meet the need of the individual.
Click here for Employer Resources
How do I access the service?
One-to-one sessions and Employment support
To access this service please ask your GP to refer you.
Group sessions
For group workshop sessions offered by the PWP’s on the topic of ‘Depression’ or ‘Anxiety’ please either ask your GP to refer you or ring the IAPT team directly at Northwick Park Hospital on 020 8869 2273 to book a place.
Harrow IAPT Employment Support Service Job Club runs on Tuesday mornings in Wealdstone.
Access to this Job Club is by referral only. Ask your GP or Job Centre advisor for a referral
Who provides the services?
Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust provides a range of comprehensive mental health and social care services for people of all ages across the boroughs of Brent, Harrow, Hillingdon, Kensington & Chelsea and Westminster. Specialist services are provided for substance misuse for residents in Brent, Ealing, Hillingdon, Hounslow, Hammersmith & Fulham, Kensington & Chelsea and Westminster.
www.cnwl.nhs.uk
Mind in Harrow is a registered charity and aims to improve the quality of life for people experiencing mental health problems in Harrow. We provide a range of services, including information, employment and training, befriending, advocacy, education & leisure and patient empowerment.
www.mindinharrow.org.uk
NHS Harrow is responsible for commissioning NHS services for the Harrow population in response to local needs.
www.harrowpct.nhs.uk