The diagnosis is correct, but National Institute of Health and Care Excellence guidelines are part of the problem not the solution

Abstract

Mike Scott’s study provides data demonstrating that the national Improving Access to Psychological Therapies project is not leading to improved outcomes or value for money. I present further data from both the adult and children and young people’s versions of Improving Access to Psychological Therapies that lends supports to this conclusion. However, while Scott argues in favour of better compliance with National Institute of Health and Care Excellence guidelines and greater model expertise, I argue that it is this ‘technical’ focus that is part of the problem not the solution.