Oxford Guide to Low Intensity CBT Interventions

Abstract

This Guide documents the drive to democratise psychotherapy. Its 62 chapters by world leaders in the field detail how to help the many, not just a privileged few. They draw together a wealth of evidence on ways to give short cost-effective therapy and prevent mental health problems, especially depression and anxiety. The result is a rich work of reference. It includes historical, organisational and training aspects, assessment, monitoring, homework and evaluation, self-help by books and by computer, and government initiatives to broaden access to help. The Guide focuses on short forms of cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT). It depicts progress in the broadening of access, but adds a caveat. For one reason or another, a huge proportion of sufferers do not use readily available health services. Using examples of the STEPS program to explore imaginative efforts to reach such people in deprived multi-ethnic areas in Glasgow via brief-advice clinics, education classes with over 100 attendees, and links to employment, financial and interest groups, and other community facilities. Additionally, the Australian ‘beyondblue’ website initiative outlines impressive ways to increase community awareness of depression and its low intensity. The volume covers further refreshingly diverse means of delivering care. They include brief face-to-face individual therapy, group work, contact by phone, email, SMS, and bulletin boards, as well as self-help books and computer-aided programs. The aim is to ‘get more bang for our buck’ - to help as many sufferers as possible in the minimum time needed from practitioners who are trained to provide low intensity services and measure outcome.