Hertfordshire to train new mental health workforce

The University's School of Social Community & Health Studies has won a three year contract worth one million pounds a year with the East of England Strategic Health Authority to implement training for a major government policy in mental health entitled Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT).

This policy initiative, which is being rolled out across the UK, is part of a major new training programme to expand the psychological therapies workforce. It will train both high intensity and low intensity workers to treat people suffering from common mental health problems like depression and anxiety, employing Cognitive Behavioural Therapy as the main intervention modality.

"We very much welcome the investment and commitment that the Government is putting into psychological therapies and are proud that our university is involved in implementing such a major public health policy," said Dr Soo Lee, Co-Director of the IAPT Programmes at the University.  "The University of Hertfordshire is sensitive and responsive to the needs of the health of the community and is therefore well equipped to develop this news programme to meet new demand."