Last Updated on: 22nd November 2023, 08:49 am
Therapy For You, the NHS Talking Therapies service available to patients in North East and South East Essex, is revolutionising mental health support by offering a range of clinically-driven online Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) courses. Developed in partnership with Omnitherapy, these courses provide immediate and convenient access to essential mental health resources, free of charge.
Accessing timely mental health support has become a pressing concern in the UK, with the government recently allocating an additional £150 million in funding to improve access to such services. However, the limited number of qualified therapists has resulted in lengthy waiting lists, both in the NHS and private practices. Data reveals that there is currently only one consultant psychiatrist for every 12,000 people in England, and there were over 1.4 million referrals to talking therapy services in the UK in 2020-21.
Aside from waiting lists, the social stigma associated with face-to-face therapy has been identified as a significant barrier preventing individuals from seeking help. To address these challenges, Therapy For You has developed online courses that allow people to receive support immediately and overcome their fears of in-person therapy. These courses have already assisted thousands of individuals in developing techniques to support their wellbeing.
Richard Black, NHS Talking Therapies Digital Services Manager at Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT), explains the rationale behind the online courses: “Accessing vital mental health support can take time or be an intimidating prospect for some. But that doesn’t mean patients should have to go without support during their wait, or compromise on their wellbeing altogether.”
Therapy For You’s online CBT courses consist of video sessions led by qualified NHS Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners (PWPs). Currently, the platform offers nine courses:
- Depression
- Stress & Anxiety
- Panic Attacks
- Understanding Self-Esteem
- Living Well With Physical Health Problems
- Bereavement
- Mindfulness
- Managing Stress in Parenthood
- Postnatal Depression
Upon creating a free account on the Therapy For You website, users can immediately start any of the online courses. Each course begins with the completion of clinically-approved surveys, known as GAD 7 and PHQ 9, which assess the user’s overall mood. Throughout the course, individuals continue to complete these questionnaires before each session, allowing them and the Therapy For You team to monitor their mood progression as they implement the learned techniques.
The courses are tailored to address specific problems, utilising CBT techniques to help users break negative cycles between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Video sessions are accompanied by downloadable resources that encourage individuals to practice the techniques they learn. To make the courses more accessible, Therapy For You has divided them into smaller sessions, with a mandatory 4-day break between sessions. This approach allows users to digest the content at their own pace and apply the skills in their daily lives.
Richard emphasises the significance of the 4-day break: “This enables people to take small, positive, lasting steps toward improving their mood and learn skills for life they can apply whenever they need to.”
Therapy For You’s innovative approach to online therapy has already made a substantial impact, providing crucial mental wellbeing support to the local community. The service remains committed to enhancing its library of resources to equip users with lasting CBT skills and establish itself as a valuable digital resource in an increasingly digital world.
By utilising online courses and harnessing the power of technology, Therapy For You is breaking down barriers to mental health access and empowering individuals to take control of their wellbeing in a convenient and effective manner.
