Keynote 7 - Realising the Mass Public Benefit of Evidence-based Psychological Therapies: Politics, Measurement-based Care, and Economics

Effective psychological therapies have been developed for most mental health problems. The public prefers psychotherapy to medication. However, most people cannot access effective psychological therapy. This talk outlines the history and development of the English NHS Talking Therapies for Anxiety and Depression (formerly known as "IAPT") program, as well as its international derivatives. The program has made cognitive-behaviour therapies and other psychological treatments for anxiety disorders and depression much more widely available. The talk covers the clinical model, the therapist training, the crucial role of measurement-based care, digital innovation, and the combined economic & clinical arguments that have been used to secure increased funding. Currently, over 670,000 people receive a course of treatment each year. Outcome data is available for 98% of treated patients. Approximately half fully recover and around 7 in every 10-show significant improvement. Benefits of therapy are widespread. As well as improving patient's mental health, Talking Therapies reduce other physical healthcare costs & adverse events, as well as helping grow national economies in the countries where it has been implemented.