CBT - is Wales losing out?
MEMBERS of the BABCP in Wales are asking for information about the Welsh Assembly's plans to develop talking therapies such as CBT.
The move comes after the Government's £173million plan to improve access to psychological therapies in England and the Scottish Government's announcement of a £3million computer-based programme.
BABCP North West Wales Branch Representative, Julie Evans (pictured) has written to Edwina Hart, Minister for Health in Wales, asking what proposals the Welsh Assembly has to expand talking therapies in Wales and their timescale.
Julie said: As the leading organization for cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) in the UK, the BABCP have take
n an active role in the discussions and formulation of policy in England which has led to the expansion of psychological therapy services under the IAPT initiative.
We are now asking whether there is any intention to develop a similar initiative in Wales and if so, what the likely time span is for such a development?."
In her letter to Ms Hart, Julie says: "During the BABCP's Annual Conference recently, there was lively discussion about the IAPT service being rolled out in England.
"There was also clear evidence of Scotland pursuing a similar programme of psychological services, under the STEPS initiative. Currently a budget of £173million has been identified for the IAPT programme in England with the expansion and training of 3,600 extra therapists to deliver accessible CBT to people who experience anxiety and depression.
"This is a very exciting programme with positive implications for clients who need to access evidenced-based mental health care. We are anxious to ensure that the people of Wales do not lag behind and also have access to high quality psychological therapy services.
"Following the announcement of Lord Layard's document ‘The Depression Report: a new deal for depression and anxiety disorders' in 2007, our branch made representation to local MPs; to Brian Gibbons the then Secretary of Health for Wales; and to the Mental Health Promotion Action Plan for Wales Consultation Document.
"Our branch has concerns that the Welsh Assembly's more recent Consultation Document ‘A Well Being and Mental Health Service Fit for Wales' does not specify details regarding psychological therapy provision in Wales.
"John Taylor, President of BABCP has made representation to the Welsh Assembly on our behalf regarding this matter.
"I would be most grateful if you could provide us with information on any work and proposals for the expansion of psychological therapies in Wales."
Julie added: "There is a real concern amongst Branch members that the people of Wales will lose out, when both England and Scotland are forging ahead with plans to make talking therapies such as CBT, much more widely available to people."