Is IAPT dying?

Is IAPT (Increasing Access to Psychological Therapies)dying?

Is IAPT dying? I’m minded to ask
It’s been 8 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 3 year report
45% of those hit recovery rates,
though what constitutes “recovery” is up for debate.

Five per cent “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 seasons fashion
giving GP’s 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 CCG’s plans?
Will it flourish and grow in the GP’s 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 doctors 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.