Is IAPT dying?

IAPT Dying?

David Raines AKA Gabblewack.

Is IAPT dying? I’m minded to ask. It’s been eight years since Layard laid out the task With a unified vision, a national plan, And a big wad of dosh the endeavour began.

We seem to have increased access, as the initials purport; A million people treated, says the three-year report. Forty-five percent of those hit recovery rates, Though what constitutes “recovery” is up for debate.

Five percent “off benefits,” “economic gains.” So why is it this sense of unease remains? It isn’t that clear; it’s hard to decide: Did they return to work, or were benefits denied?

Layard’s calculations may have been sound But formed at a time when there were more jobs around. When they laid the pathway and put down the cash, They didn’t foresee the financial crash.

Higher unemployment, applicants abound; Now how does that history of mental health sound? They won’t ask about it at the ESA reviews; You’ll be found fit for work if you can bend and touch your shoes.

On a raft of new measures that come into play, We embark together on All Fools’ Day. Drifting off to sea with a forecast of storms, Loaded with a cargo of benefit reforms.

Legal aid cuts, changes in employment law, Will make it easier for employers to show you the door. Benefits capped and bedrooms taxed, The belt has been tightening—it won’t be relaxed.

Maybe ‘Work Capability Neurosis’ is the diagnosis to be used, Describing pathological fears of having benefits refused. Or ‘Post-Work Capability Assessment Disorder’ is better, Describing the impact of the judgement letter.

Care Commissioning Groups are here, the new season’s fashion, Giving GPs the right to share out the rations. When it comes to decisions about what is to be bought, Will it be evidence-based practice or ongoing support?

So will IAPT fit in with the CCGs’ plans? Will it flourish and grow in the GPs’ hands? They seem at ease with disease, with infection and plague, But when it comes to mental health, they’re disturbingly vague.

As the huddled masses start knocking at the doctor’s door For their prescriptions to relieve the effects of being poor, Will they be poring over NICE guidelines, or referring everything To the nice lass down the corridor who does some counselling?