ACCESS TO PSYCHOLOGICAL THERAPIES

Early day motion 1433, tabled 9 February 2011 by Jo Swinson (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 32 members.

That this House regards depression as a serious condition that can profoundly diminish a person's wellbeing; recognises that psychological cognitive-behavioural therapy is an effective and scientifically validated form of treatment; welcomes the news that 3,660 new psychological therapists, trained under the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies programme, are in place as of January 2011; commends the current Government for its ongoing commitment to invest in the IAPT programme; also commends the previous Government for starting the IAPT programme; and thanks Professor Richard Layard of the London School of Economics for his work on the Depression Report in 2006, which demonstrated that provision of extra psychological therapy could more than pay for itself through reducing benefit claims and helping people back into work.

Signatures by party: Liberal Democrat 11, Labour 9, DUP 3, Plaid Cymru 3, Social Democratic and Labour Party 3, Alliance 1, Conservative 1, Independent 1.