Providing psychological support to people with learning disabilities during the Covid-19 pandemic: A virtual journey

Abstract

• People with learning disabilities (LD) are at greater risk of experiencing mental health conditions, which may be made worse by the Covid-19 pandemic.• This article investigated the utility of a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)-based group programme delivered virtually to service users with LD during the first wave of the pandemic.• This group intervention was found to have potential promise in being effective in helping service users better manage their symptoms and reduce levels of anxiety and low mood.• The group programme has highlighted some benefits of remote delivery of CBT-based interventions, which can be implemented as an alternative to face-to-face clinical input for some service users.