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Access boost for computer-based therapy |
A new provision of computer-based therapy for mental health patients has been launched this week. Computerised Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (cCBT) delivers cognitive behavioural therapy - proven to be clinically effective - through a computer. Providing this therapy as a first-line treatment for people with anxiety and depression heralds a significant shift towards providing new services closer to people at home and in the community. From this month onwards, the treatment will be made available to any patient who may benefit from it, and the programme will develop over the next two years. The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has approved two computer-based programmes for use by the NHS - Fear Fighter for treating people who have phobias or suffer from panic attacks, and Beating the Blues for treating people with mild to moderate depression. Such programmes will enable therapy to be provided in a greater number of locations and settings, such as at home or in the library. People who receive these services will also benefit from the support of a mental health professional. "Mental health services have clearly improved substantially, but we want to offer patients even greater choice over how, when and where they are treated. Being able to access the right kind of therapy, instead of just being prescribed medication, is central to this vision for patients, explained Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt. "On April 1st, we will reach the first milestone in our drive to provide choice - namely quicker access to computer based self-help services to stop mild mental health problems becoming worse. "Computerised Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is an important addition to the range of treatment options available for people who suffer from mild depression or anxiety. It will bring therapy to the doorstep of users making it convenient and easy to access especially for people who live in remote locations, added Paul Farmer, Chief Executive of MIND. Its immediacy will benefit people who have been waiting months or even years to see a therapist." |
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