NHS Medway CCG is seeking to commission IAPT services across the Medway catchment area utilising the Lead Provider Model in-line with the attached service specification. NHS Medway CCG's approach is to commission a single Lead Provider to offer IAPT services in-line with the inclusion and exclusion criteria outlined in the service specification. The Lead Provider would be expected to work with the local health economy (primary and secondary care) to ensure a seamless transition between care providers, where this is required.

The IAPT service will provide a single point of access to psychological therapies, offering a stepped care model of service, based on NICE Guidelines whereby the least intensive intervention appropriate to a person's need is provided 1st. People can readily ‘step-up or down’ the care pathway in accordance with their changing needs and response to treatment.