PsychologyOnline offers therapy via a “live chat” text-based instant messaging conversation with a qualified therapist, in a secure online consulting room.
For the first time on the NHS, patients suffering from conditions such as anxiety, panic attacks or depression can access PsychologyOnline’s unique online cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) service via referral from their GP.
Therapy sessions are available at flexible times, including evenings and weekends, and can be attended from anywhere with an internet connection, including the comfort of home.
PsychologyOnline has been contracted for three years as a provider of mental health care in five clinical commissioning groups (CCG) in Surrey following a successful pilot scheme in 2012.
Barnaby Perks, chief executive officer at PsychologyOnline, says the service can significantly reduce waiting times for NHS patients.
“We hope the five NHS contracts in Surrey will be the first of many in the UK. Our nationwide network of psychologists and psychotherapists can deliver sessions at any time of day, including evenings and weekends.”
Diane Woods, associate director of commissioning for mental health and learning disabilities at the collaboration, says mental health care is “changing radically”.
“For the first time in mental health, GPs are able to offer their patients a choice in how their therapy is delivered.
“We wanted more flexibility in not only who provides services but the way mental health services are delivered and also a means to cope with the increased volume in demand that we have seen over recent years.”
About one in every six adults in the UK will experience anxiety, depression or other such mental health disorders in their lifetime, and around 13% will develop a phobia*.
All that users of the service need is a computer or tablet with an internet connection to access the secure therapy area. PsychologyOnline will send an activation code and allocate a therapist based on the patient’s needs.
Treatment can begin within 24 hours of referral, meaning no lengthy waits for an appointment.
Dr Fiona Buxton, a GP and Mental Health Lead for Surrey Heath CCG, agrees that the service is particularly appreciated by people who work during the day.
“People are under increasing stress from pressures at work, home and financial concerns and we see a growing need for different ways of providing treatment.
“PsychologyOnline is a huge benefit as you can access the treatment from home, there is no travelling involved, no need to take time off work and you can have the same therapist every week so there is continuity.”
The effectiveness of PsychologyOnline’s therapy was demonstrated in a 300 patient clinical trial published in The Lancet in 2009.
An average of just six sessions of online therapy was needed for recovery for patients suffering from moderate to severe depression. This compares well with the 10 to 12 session average for face-to-face therapy.
Anyone with concerns about their mental health is encouraged in the first instance to talk to their GP. For more information please visit: www.psychologyonline.co.uk
Individuals living outside the Surrey area, or those who wish to purchase therapy directly, can access the same treatment through Thinkwell™, PsychologyOnline’s private service. For more information visit: www.thinkwell.co.uk
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