Kooth has collaborated with myGP to allow the app to self-refer patients to the its digital mental health platform.
The collaboration means that NHS patients using iPlato’s myGP app will gain better access to mental health services and reduce waiting times, while pressure will be reduced on GP services.
Via the myGP app, users will be able to book one-to-one sessions with counsellors, as well as allow users to access peer-to-peer support in discussion forums. Additionally users can personalise their own mental health support with tools such as an online journal and an interactive goal tracker. Patients can self-refer 24 hours a day, seven days a week, removing one of the barriers that can make accessing mental health support tricky.
The partnership is currently being piloted across 12 regions in England with plans to roll it out further laster this year.
Tim Barker, chief executive officer at Kooth, said: “Early intervention and access to support is crucial in helping to prevent mental issues from spiraling out of control and can have a significant positive impact on the course of mental illness. Kooth helps to remove traditional barriers to care by providing immediate access to effective and confidential support.”
Kooth’s digital platform offers proactive and preventative mental health services which can be accessed on any internet-connected device. It is also the only digital mental health provider to hold a UK-wide accreditation from The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy.
Barker continued: “There is no one-size-fits-all solution to treating mental health, and what works for one, may not work for another. By partnering with iPlato and offering different therapeutic approaches, Kooth can be tailored to meet the needs of each myGP app user. And as it is a self-referral tool, it not only streamlines the mental health referral process and increases patient autonomy but will also free up pressure on GPs and other healthcare professionals.”
Tobias Alpsten, CEO of myGP, added: “We’re delighted to partner with such a reputable mental health services provider; giving our users the opportunity to receive the care they need when they need it while giving our NHS partners a small amount of breathing space.”
Last year the Kooth platform was extended across all boroughs of North West London to support mental health services for children and young adults.