New Zealanders call for greater access to evidence-based talking therapies
23 October 2009
Recently released Auckland Medical School research on the varying effects of anti-depressants provided a timely reminder that there are a wide range of therapeutic options when assessing and treating mental illnesses. Te Pou, The National Centre of Mental Health Research, Information and Workforce Development supports a holistic approach to what works for the person, which may include a joint approach of talking therapies and medication.
A number of talking therapies have been proven to help people understand and make positive changes to their thinking, behaviour, feelings, relationships and emotional well-being. Consumers, families and clinicians have called for greater access to evidence-based 'talking therapies' across the mental health and addiction sector. The call is for therapies that are high quality and accessible in a more consistent way across mental health and addiction services in New Zealand.
Te Pou is exploring what talking therapies are currently used and what might enhance quality, sustainability and spread across New Zealand.
Chief Executive Robyn Shearer said the work involves identifying best and promising practice for talking therapies in New Zealand, resulting in information about different talking therapies and their effectiveness for different population groups such as Maori, Pacific and older adults, among others. The intention is to build workforce capability so that people receiving services are being offered the best treatments available from a skilled workforce.
In developing recommendations for this work, Te Pou used a systems-wide approach looking at the contracting environment, the requirements of different population groups and opportunities for workforce development .
“We are working with district health boards and non-government organisations to provide more and better information about talking therapies for people using mental health and addiction services, and more training so that we have a skilled talking therapies workforce,” said Ms Shearer.
Feedback from early consultation suggested that people were confused about the words and names of different therapies and what they each aimed to do. Te Pou worked with the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) to produce A Guide to Talking Therapies in New Zealand. The RANZCP completed the guide after further consultation with people who use services, their families and clinicians. The guide aims to clearly describe each therapy, what mental illnesses it is best used for, and how people can access it.
An Action Plan for Talking therapies 2009 to 2011 outlines Te Pou’s ongoing work which has included advocating for the inclusion of talking therapies in a review of the Ministry of Health's National Service Framework (NSF). The NSF provides the framework upon which mental health and addiction service contracts are based. The revised service specifications now include talking therapies.
The reports, action plan, talking therapy guide and more information about this work is available on this website.
Page last updated: 27 October 2009