Psychological Treatments

Psychological Treatments are available for people of all ages. Examples of these are ‘talking therapies’, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) or family therapy.  Common difficulties which might be helped by such treatments include feelings of anxiety or depression – and can be experienced by children and adults. People may also have difficult emotions relating to changing circumstances, relationships or associated with physical health conditions that make it difficult to do the things they would like to do.

We conduct research to assess new treatments, the effectiveness of existing approaches, and we are also involved in research designed to prevent psychological problems such as anxiety or depression from developing.

In addition the way in which treatments are offered – one-to-one, in groups, on the telephone or online – may influence how helpful they are in improving people’s lives. In Oxford Health, researchers are investigating a number of different ways of providing psychological approaches. For example, whether some psychological treatments are effective if delivered online.  We are also exploring the way that psychological care can be used to help people with dementia living in care homes.

By developing a better understanding of which treatments are most helpful and how we can best provide those, we aim to offer the best possible service to patients and their carers.