ABSTRACT
Of the therapies described in this book the largest evidence base exists for cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT). Psychological treatments with best evidence of efficacy in depression are IPT and CBT, but there is also evidence of effectiveness of psychodynamic work and family therapy. Of the other therapies described in this book there has been relatively little evaluation with older adults. Within this book we have considered factors that make an individual patient broadly suitable for a particular therapy. A model of service provision that is flexible enough to adapt itself to the idiosyncrasies of modern health services is that of the psychological therapies network (PTN). In this structure, professionals who are already doing the hands-on work, and undoubtedly already providing some psychological therapies, are linked, coordinated, supervised, and encouraged to develop their skills and the time they spend engaging in psychological therapies with older people.
