IAPT
IAPT in Leeds Community Links
Improving Access To Psychological Therapies
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) aims to help change patterns of thinking or behaviour that are causing problems. Changing how we think and behave also changes how we feel.
It is a structured approach - clients agree goals for treatment with their therapist and try new ways of doing things in their own time between sessions. The IAPT aim is to increase access to talking therapies, with evidence based CBT being the main focus of therapy.
Community Links is delighted to be part of the successful consortium which has been commissioned by NHS Leeds to deliver phase 2 of Improving Access to Psychological Therapies in Leeds. Community Links will focus on young people (17-21) and older people (60 and over).
The other partners in the consortium are NHS Community Healthcare, Touchstone, and Leeds Counselling
Mission Statement
‘Community Links IAPT exists to deliver Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and to facilitate self help using the CBT model. We will increase access to these therapies for younger and older people, and aim to reduce stigma towards mental health problems. Working collaboratively, we promote skills that increase self-determination, helping to build and maintain mental and emotional wellbeing’
The Team consists of 2 Mental Health Practitioners, 3 Cognitive Behavioural Therapists, a Team Administrator and Service Manager.
Mental Health Practitioner
Everyone who comes to the service will see a Mental Health Practitioner first in order to discuss their current needs and weigh up the different options that are available. Together, the client and practitioner will then decide what kind of service or support is likely to be the most helpful.
If our service is not the most appropriate we will signpost people to others that may better meet their needs at that time.
Mental Health Practitioners make use of a range of CBT based self-help materials to help young people experiencing common mental health problems such as anxiety and depression. This is often referred to as ‘low intensity’ work.
They can offer between 6- 8 sessions lasting 30 minutes, of psycho-education; information and support to help the person to explore, identify and understand their difficulties, and to find ways to make helpful changes.
People are encouraged to consider their current problems and how to tackle these, which will involve trying out and learning new skills.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapist
If people are still experiencing difficulties after the low intensity sessions, they can be ‘stepped up’ and receive sessions with a Cognitive Behavioural Therapist - also referred to as ‘High Intensity’ work.
They will be offered up to 20 sessions lasting 1 hour, of cognitive behavioural therapy.
High intensity therapists can offer help with a variety of common mental health problems such as depression, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and anxiety including social anxiety, health anxiety, generalised anxiety and specific phobias.
Champion Role
A variety of ‘champion’ roles have been developed to increase access to IAPT for certain priority groups. In Community Links Jenny Middleton has the champion role for Older People.
As part of this role over the next two years Jenny will be networking with Older People’s services and GP’s across Leeds in order to identify and tackle barriers that may prevent Older People gaining access to IAPT. The role also involves being a resource within IAPT for other therapists about relevant issues and about services available in relation to older people.
The role does not involve working directly with Older People; Jenny will operate as a generic High Intensity IAPT worker, i.e. working with clients from all backgrounds, with an additional role as a champion for her specific priority group.
To find out more, or to get involved with tackling barriers to older people accessing IAPT services, please contact the IAPT team on 0113 2009188, or Jenny directly via email; jenny.middleton@commlinks.co.uk.
Venues
In order to improve access, we will be delivering the service in a variety of city-wide venues in addition to our Bank House location. So far, these are based within existing agencies that work with Young People, e.g Barca in Bramley, Gipsil in East Leeds, and Burley Lodge Centre. We are continuing to make links and to establish new venues with other key partners within Young People’s Services.
Contact
IAPT Leeds (Community Links)
Suite 1
Bank House
150 Roundhay Road
LS8 5LJ
0113 2009188
Service Manager
Soo Lincoln
soo.lincoln@commlinks.co.uk
0113 2009189
07815959856
