The Step 3 High Intensity Therapist will work with people who have been assessed by a Step 2 Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner where it is decided that their needs will be best met by the Step 3 service, or people who may have also received some treatment at Step 2. Step 3 Therapists are accessed by onward referral from the Step 2 team.
Treatment Interventions are informed by NICE guidelines relating to the appropriate management of Depression and Anxiety Disorders (2004 and subsequent revisions) and include the following:
- Individual Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
- Inter Personal Therapy
- Couples Therapy
- Access to Step 4 (Secondary Care Mental Health) if required.
Of the above, the most frequently delivered therapy is CBT. This is a talking therapy that focuses on how thoughts, mood, behaviour and physical sensations are connected and how people may respond to situation they find themselves in as a result. These reactions can cause distress, fear and feeling low. CBT has been used for many years with great success to help people experiencing depression and anxiety disorders.