The Talking Therapies programme (sometimes also known as the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT)) programme supports the frontline NHS in implementing National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines for people suffering from depression and anxiety disorders.

First established in 2006 with Demonstration sites in Doncaster and Newham, followed by the phased roll out by all PCTs across the South West completed from October 2009, the aims of the programme originally targeted at people of working age in 2010 was opened to adults of all ages.

From April 2011, its focus has broadened, following publication of Talking Therapies: a four-year plan of action, one of a suite of documents supporting No Health Without Mental Health, the cross-Government mental health strategy for people of all ages and this together with the NHS Operating Framework 2011/12  have set out the following key objectives:

• The completion of the roll out of Talking Therapies services for adults with anxiety and depression of all ages by 2015, with increasing access for people over 65;
• The development of a stand-alone programme for talking therapies to be developed for children and young people;
• Extending talking therapies to people with long term conditions and medically unexplained symptoms, and
• People with serious and enduring mental illness will have access to talking therapies.

Across the region, the South West Development Centre has a key supporting role in the delivery of Talking Therapies / IAPT services. Assisted and supported by the Strategic Health Authority, the local Team based with the SWDC is able to offer high levels of professional expertise, specialised knowledge and management support in all aspects of the programme.

Helping to underpin the successful delivery of the programme across the region is a shared understanding of the valued contribution by the individual with direct lived experience of services allied to the combined commitment of those involved working with and in support of the various organisations and individuals who themselves have responsibility for the commissioning and providing of primary care psychological therapies services.