New eight-programme suite addresses gap in the market for a single, effective solution for IAPT (Improving Access to Psychological Therapies) providers to treat multiple conditions
London, February 11th 2015 - SilverCloud Health, a global provider of online behavioural and mental wellness solutions, has launched a unique, first to market suite of customisable online therapeutic programmes to tackle co-morbid depression and anxiety disorders. Developed in close collaboration with Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, the IAPT compatible, eight-programme suite allows practitioners to create a personalised programme for clients to address multiple conditions such as depression, anxiety, worry and sleep problems. Previously IAPT services had to go to numerous providers for online therapy solutions to address multiple conditions.
SilverCloud Health is the first provider to offer content specifically addressing a range of anxiety disorders. Mental illness currently costs the UK economy £105 billion per year[i], mixed anxiety and depression is the most common mental health disorder in Britain and up to 45%[ii] of those with an anxiety disorder also experience depression at one point or another during their lifetime.
The new evidence-based, eight-programme suite, developed on the principles of cognitive behavioural therapy, includes content that addresses depression and a range of anxiety disorders, including generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder (PD), social anxiety disorder (SAD), health anxiety, specific phobia and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Programmes can be further customised with a range of non-programme specific content modules including; self-esteem, relaxation and employment support.
Judith Chapman, Clinical Director of Talking Therapies (IAPT) at Berkshire Healthcare, said, "The new customisable programmes enable practitioners to pick and choose various aspects depending on the client’s presentation, for example they may be experiencing low mood or depression along with social anxiety, worry and sleep problems. With this suite of programmes, for the first time we are able to provide a single, effective treatment for clients who present with multiple conditions.”
The new suite of programmes is available to clients 24/7 and the care pathway can be customised. A single solution for multiple conditions also reduces training and integration costs and allows practitioners to support more clients. The programmes are designed to be flexible as a stand-alone intervention, a waiting list treatment option and an adjunct to other clinical interventions. The eight-programme suite is available for IAPT services, employers and Universities to access from SilverCloud Health.
Ken Cahill, CEO at SilverCloud Health said, “We are delighted to launch this next phase of content in partnership with Berkshire Healthcare who have been at the forefront of optimising online solutions into care pathways. The new eight-programme suite can transform IAPT services, with one suite covering co-morbid conditions across depression and anxiety disorders. Personalised or dynamic solutions that deal with multiple conditions are becoming increasingly important and we are continually developing the SilverCloud platform to meet this demand.”
[i] Department of Health, No health without mental health: A cross-Government mental health outcomes strategy for people of all ages. Supporting document – The economic case for improving efficiency and quality in mental health. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/215808/dh_123993.pdf. Last accessed February 2015.
[ii] Stéphane Bouchard, Ph. D. et Pierre Verrier, M.D. (May 2005). Anxiety Disorders And Comorbidities. http://www.anxietycanada.ca/english/pdf/print/comorbidities.pdf
