Experiences of using talking therapies to support mental health (formerly IAPT)

Have you used NHS Talking Therapies (formally known as IAPT) before?

Yes

What has been your experience with Talking Therapies?

Excellent

Good

Fair

Poor

Extremely poor

How did you first learn about Talking Therapies?

Family / friend

Online (e.g. Google)

Social media

GP Practice

Other health professional

Flyer / Billboard / Pamphlet

Other (please specify)

Where you given clear and accessible information about the service?

Yes

Option 3

If you answered no please explain

What are the biggest barriers to accessing the Talking Therapies services? (Tick all that apply)

Waiting times

Referral process

Digital access

Stigma

Other (please specify)

How important is it to offer evening, weekend or flexible appointments?

Very important

Somewhat important

Neutral

Somewhat unimportant

Very unimportant

Is there a good range of face-to-face, telephone, online therapy offers?

Excellent

Good

Fair

Poor

Extremely poor

What factors contribute to a positive therapy experience?

Therapeutic relationship - a strong, trusting bond between the client and therapist

Personalised treatment - therapy tailored to the individuals needs, preferences and goals

Clear goals and expectations - defining realistic and achievable objectives helps track progress and maintain motivation

Empathy and active listening - therapists who active listen, validate emotions, and demonstrate understanding

Confidentiality and trust - knowing that sessions are private and secure

Consistent support and encouragement - regular feedback and reinforcement

Evidence-based techniques - the use of scientifically supported therapeutic methods, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) or Mindfulness-Based Therapy, improves treatment outcomes

Other (please specify) and/or expand on the above

How can we make it easier for people to access Talking Therapies, particularly those who might not seek help on their own?

Simple referral forms

Digital options, including helplines and websites to provide clear step-by-step instructions

Single point of contact for guidance and follow-ups

Multilingual resources for diverse communities

Mental health workshop and drop in sessions in informal settings (e.g. libraries, community centres)

Evening & weekend appointments

In-person, telephone, and video sessions to suit different comfort levels

Provide technology support for individuals unfamiliar with online services

Develop culturally sensitive materials addressing unique mental health challenges

Easy read referral materials

A broad range of non-digital options e.g. flyers, pamphlets, and referral forms

Self-referral

Other (please specify) and/or expand on the options above

10.

How can we ensure that Talking Therapies services are inclusive and accessible to all?

Maximum 255 characters

0/255

11.

What reasonable adjustments should be in place for people with disabilities or long-term health conditions to ensure equal access?

Physical Accessibility - step-free access to buildings and therapy rooms

Physical Accessibility - accessible parking spaces close to entrances

Communication Support - British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters for Deaf clients

Communication Support - speech-to-text services or captioning for individuals with hearing impairments

Communication Support - easy-read materials for people with cognitive disabilities

Communication Support - large print or braille documents for individuals with visual impairments

Flexible Appointment Options - remote or telephone therapy sessions

Flexible Appointment Options - extended or shorter sessions to accommodate fatigue or concentration difficulties

Flexible Appointment Options - flexible scheduling to fit around medical treatments or fluctuating health conditions

Digital Accessibility - accessible websites and digital platforms for online therapy (e.g., screen reader compatibility, voice command options)

Digital Accessibility - alternative contact methods (e.g., text-based communication for those who cannot use the phone)

Digital Accessibility - clear, jargon-free online resources to improve understanding and engagement

Individualised Support Plans - needs assessments before therapy to identify specific accommodations

Individualised Support Plans - allowing a support person to accompany the individual if required

Other (please specify) and/or expand on the above

12.

What information should be included in patient-facing materials to ensure people understand what to expect from therapy?

A brief explanation that Talking Therapies is confidential, professional and free through the NHS

Highlight common reasons for seeking therapy

Explain the referral process (e.g., self-referral, GP referral)

Include contact details and a simple step-by-step guide

List available locations and times

Other (please specify) and/or expand on the above

13.

If could change one thing about the Talking Therapies service, what would it be?

14.

Is there anything else you would like to share that will help us develop a service that better meets patient needs?

About you

This section collects demographic details to help us understand how different groups within the community experience Talking Therapies (Formerly known as IAPT). By gathering this information, we can identify trends, represent all voices, and tailor our services and communications to better meet the needs of everyone in mid and south Essex.

It helps us understand how experiences vary across different groups.
It ensures that all community voices are heard, especially those who may be underrepresented.
It allows us to make more relevant recommendations that suit everyone’s needs.

Your answers will be combined with those of other respondents to reveal group insights rather than individual responses. We’d greatly appreciate your input, but each question includes an option to select "prefer not to say."

Privacy: Your data is stored and processed securely in line with data protection law.

15.

What was your age at your last birthday?

18-24

25-34

35-44

45-54

55-64

65-74

75-84

85+

Prefer not to say

16.

Which council area do you live?

Southend-on-Sea

Basildon Council

Chelmsford City Council

Maldon District Council

Braintree District Council

Thurrock Council

Brentwood Borough Council

Rochford District Council

Castle Point Borough Council

Other (please specify)

17.

Which of the following options best describes how you think of yourself?

Woman (including trans woman)

Man (including trans man)

Non-binary

Other (please specify)

18.

Please choose one of the following options that most accurately describes your ethnic group or background

White - English, Welsh, Scottish, Northern Irish or British

White - Gypsy or Irish Traveller

White - Roma

Mixed or multiple ethnic groups - White and Black Caribbean

Mixed or multiple ethnic groups - White and Black African

Mixed or multiple ethnic groups - White and Asian

Asian or British Asian - Indian

Asian or British Asian - Pakistani

Asian or British Asian - Chinese

Black, Black British Caribbean or African - African

Black, Black British Caribbean or African - Caribbean

Arab

Prefer not to say

Other ethnic group (please specify)

19.

Do you have a disability or a long-term health condition?

Yes

Prefer not to say

20.

If you answered 'Yes', please tell us about your disability and / or health condition?

21.

How would you like to be involved in shaping future mental health services?

Advisory groups

Feedback surveys

Social media

Other (please specify)

22.

If you would like to be involved in shaping future mental health services please give us your email address

Maximum 255 characters

0/255