People needing therapy for mental health problems are being helped by an innovative computer programme.
The user-friendly programme called Beating the Blues is being run at the Chelmsford and Essex Centre by North Essex Mental Health Partnership Trust's cognitive behaviour therapy team.
It was put into practice at the centre nearly two years ago and has proved its worth.
Beating the Blues has provided a therapy programme for almost 200 patients, the equivalent of the workload of two therapists carrying out conventional face to face sessions.
The project is the first of its kind in Essex. Its success has been recognised by being highly commended in the trust's Innovation and Good Practice Awards for 2002.
Beating the Blues has meant that more patients, suffering from conditions such as anxiety and depression, in the central Essex area have had quicker access to treatment.
Jo Trosh, nurse specialist with the cognitive behaviour therapy team at the Chelmsford and Essex Centre, said: "When patients are referred to us they have an initial assessment and we make a decision with them about their treatment."
Published Monday, April 28, 2003
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article