16/07/08 - Help for people suffering anxiety and depression

Anyone experiencing mild anxiety and depression could now benefit from easily accessible therapeutic help as part of their personalised care plans.

Two new pilot initiatives will provide user friendly ways of accessing cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), including telephone and online based help.

CBT is used to help people better understand difficult emotions and develop new strategies for tackling them.

Funding of �3 million will allow the pilots to be trialled over three years via:

* An NHS 24 'Living Life' pilot, which will be piloted in parts of the Western Isles, Shetland, Borders, Greater Glasgow and Clyde and Lothian, patients will be referred by their GP and offered telephone based CBT and self help techniques
* A team of qualified CBT therapists and self help coaches will be on hand to provide professional help and support
* In addition, the 'Living Life To The Full' initiative, will provide a range of self help resources including one-to-one self help clinics, CD Roms, group sessions, work books and college courses

Minister for Public Health Shona Robison said:

"Along with our partners in NHS boards across Scotland and at NHS 24, we have sought out new ways of helping people who experience anxiety and depression.

"This funding will deliver accessible, user friendly cognitive behavioural therapy, and put people more in control of their mental health.

"The Scottish Government is committed to improving services for those with anxiety and depression, and this funding is a direct expression of that commitment."

� Copyright Scottish Disability Equality Forum 2003-2008

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