ABSTRACT
This chapter attempts to elucidate the ambivalence as it applies to the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) scheme and the conflict of values this represents. Not with standing this and the interference of economic recession, a welcome consequence of the IAPT scheme has been an increase of about 400 million into the woefully inadequate provision for the treatment of mental ill-health. The requirement, initially determined by National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines, to provide therapies that met the criteria of evidence-based practice (EBP) meant the main therapeutic approach proposed would be cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). IAPT adheres to guidelines set by the NICE, directing which psychological therapies should be provided at primary care level. The majority of the new IAPT workforce is Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners (PWPs) who have limited experience of face to face therapeutic practice and assessment.
