Online therapy to boost mental health for silent sufferers

A pioneering project to help people with mental health problems is launched today. The phone line and web site will allow sufferers to contact NHS mental health specialists without the need for a face-to-face meeting. The one year pilot taking place in North Lincolnshire, is among the first of its kind in Britain to offer access to mental health support and treatment through an online NHS therapy clinic.

While mental health issues such as depression and anxiety are affecting an increasing number of people in the UK, sufferers often feel stigmatised and reluctant to speak to health professionals in person, many suffering in silence without seeking medical support and advice.

The new “eClinics” initiative aims to increase access to psychological therapies for these people, extending the reach and availability of help for those who need it.

It is run as a public private partnership between BT, Rotherham, Doncaster and South Humber Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust (RDaSH) and the North Lincolnshire Council Digital Inclusion Unit.

Carole Hirst, director of psychological therapies for RDaSH, said: “This is a very exciting project and means that patients with mental health issues in North Lincolnshire are never more than a click of a mouse or phone call away from an NHS mental health specialist. Depression and anxiety related disorders impact hugely on the quality of life of sufferers and their families. This project will mean that more people can access therapy and treatments that will help to make a real difference.”

The initiative supports the Department of Health’s Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) programme, which aims to help Primary Care Trusts implement innovative ways of accessing mental health services. The principle of equal access is also supported by the Department for Communities and Local Government Digital Inclusion Action Plan.

BT will manage a secure chat room and booking facility, through its Next Generation Contact Centre (NGCC). This new solution from BT will allow mental health professionals to host internet and email based therapy sessions, organise internet chat room discussions and manage interactions in a controlled environment.

Councillor David Whitely, lead member at North Lincolnshire Council for ICT, said: “The rising expectation that people can use new channels to interact with health professionals is matched by the need for more flexible and efficient ways of working. This project demonstrates that the application of carefully crafted digital solutions can remove constraints for consumers and providers alike.”

Importantly, therapists will be able to access and manage these services remotely, giving them the flexibility to work from the clinic or at home. Known as “homeshoring”, this concept will be tested by two clinicians.

John Stokoe, managing director, BT Public Sector, said: “This is a project that uses technology to make a real difference to quality of care.

The NGCC offers a quick, flexible and easy way for NHS organisations to manage the way they communicate with patients and coordinate services. Whether it be on the phone or online, patients can be intelligently routed through to health professionals, ready to handle their needs. This promises to improve the patient experience, increase staff satisfaction and drive significant efficiencies.”

The benefits of the project will be independently evaluated by experts from the University of Sheffield.