AN ENTERPRISE which has been seeking to transform the delivery of psychological therapy has entered the Business Innovation category of The Press Business Awards.2016.

CBT Clinics is a national provider of psychological assessment and treatment services. “We deliver a range of evidence-based psychological therapies and trauma rehabilitation to solicitors, rehabilitation providers, insurance agencies, employers and members of the public.”

For the past 11 years it has operated from the centre of York and has established a reputation for clinical excellence and innovation in models of therapy delivery. A nationwide network of 2,000 qualified clinicians provide psychological rehabilitation to people experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition, such as stress, depression, anxiety or trauma, which is preventing them from functioning effectively in their general life or at work.

Over the last 18 months the firm has “worked tremendously hard” to transform the delivery of psychological therapy through digital health technologies. “Our ability to provide clinically effective, alternative services which are accessible and acceptable to those most in need in a timely and efficient manner has been significantly enhanced by this innovative solution to the delivery of therapeutic interventions.”

This business innovation and the subsequent introduction of technology has addressed two major issues encountered in the delivery of psychological therapies and rehabilitation - the distance between the client and the most appropriate therapist, and reducing appointment non-attendance, thus keeping the client engaged with their treatment.

“We have invested in a new internal, cloud-based mapping tool that allows us to upload details of our national network of therapists and enables us to instruct the therapist who is the closest to the clients preferred location.

“Crucially it also allows us to add specific skill sets, training undertaken and treatment types offered by individual clinicians. By utilising the tool we are now far better positioned to match the client with the most appropriate therapist to treat their specific problem.”

Technology in the shape of secure video has also benefited clients by improving the choice of therapy delivery method, ensuring a multi-faceted treatment model can be offered. Having an alternative delivery method allows clients to receive therapy in their own home if they are unwilling or unable to travel, and helps to ensure treatment continues and relapse is minimised.

CBT Clinics has also developed an online eCBT proposition as part of a programme to prevent relapse after treatment.

“With the continued stigma attached to mental health, the introduction of digital health initiatives has offered an innovative approach to overcoming the challenges posed. Those clients who would have avoided treatment either through perceived stigma or difficulty travelling to a clinic setting have received successful rehabilitation which they may not have had access to without this option.”