NewAccess for depression and anxiety: adapting the UK Improving Access to Psychological Therapies Program across Australia

Paul Cromarty, Aaron Drummond, Tamara Francis, Julianne Watson, Malcolm Battersby

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    38 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Objective: NewAccess is a Low Intensity Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (LiCBT) early intervention pilot, for mild to moderate depression and anxiety. In November 2015 the Australian Government Review of Mental Health Programmes and Services specifically highlighted the program, stating, "Primary Health Networks will....be encouraged and supported to work towards better utilisation of low intensity 'coaching' services for people with lesser needs, building on evaluations of programmes such as the NewAccess model of care, and the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies model of stepped care implemented in the United Kingdom." NewAccess runs in three sites (Adelaide, Canberra and North Coast New South Wales) based on the successful UK Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) model. NewAccess involves training in evidence-based interventions, regular clinical supervision and recording outcome measures every session. Key performance indicators include functional recovery, loss of diagnosis, return to employment and early intervention. Conclusions: Adaptation to Australia accommodated contextual issues such as geographical isolation and infrastructure of the healthcare system. Initial recovery rates and projected economic viability for NewAccess are very promising, supporting wider adoption of an IAPT model across Australia. In addition it has resulted in the emergence of a new Australian workforce in community mental health with the LiCBT 'Coach'.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)489-492
    Number of pages4
    JournalAustralasian Psychiatry
    Volume24
    Issue number5
    Early online date2016
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - Oct 2016

    Keywords

    • Anxiety
    • Depression
    • IAPT
    • Low intensity CBT
    • Stepped care

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