The telephone-based project, NHS Living Life, aims to increase access to psychological therapies in Scotland and help reduce the prescription of anti-depressant medication for adults suffering from mild to moderate depression.  

Dr George Crooks, Interim Chief Executive of NHS 24, said that around 300,000 people each year in Scotland seek help from their GP for symptoms of depression, making it the most common mental health condition experienced by people living north of the Border. 

He said that while medication is frequently prescribed, “there is a broad awareness that psychological therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can provide long term benefits to patients.” 

CBT aims to alter “unhelpful” thinking and behaviour that commonly occurs during times of distress. The Living Life service will offer CBT and guided self-help to people aged 16 and over who have been referred by their own GP. 

Crooks continued: “Developments within this type of therapy have shown that computerised or telephony-based CBT can be highly effective as part of a wider model of care for those with mild to moderate depression. It is also important to note that almost 50 per cent of people with depression do not seek professional help.” 

While Tony McLaren, national co-ordinator of Living Life, called the service “a first step in improving access to psychological therapies,” and said it gives Scottish patients an additional choice in their struggle with low mood and depression. 

The two year pilot is backed by over £1m funding from the Scottish Government and is being delivered in partnership with NHS Borders, Lothian, Greater Glasgow and Clyde and Western Isles.

Public Health Minister Shona Robison said the service will deliver “accessible, user friendly Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, and put people more in control of their mental health.”

She added: “The Scottish Government is committed to improving services for those with anxiety and depression, and this funding is a direct expression of that commitment.  We will also be commissioning a full evaluation of this pilot service to determine whether this can be rolled nationally in the future.”

For more information visit: www.nhs24.com