MDABC now offers a hybrid group/individual program in interpersonal therapy (IPT), led by Dr. Kortney Witt. This IPT program is specifically designed for people who are dealing with depression and a current or recent interpersonal struggle (e.g., finances, intimacy, trust) within a significant personal relationship.
What is IPT?
Relationships play an important role in our overall mood and mental health. When challenges arise in our relationships, we may find ourselves using unhelpful patterns of relating to others. This can lead to increased feelings of frustration, loneliness, and despair. IPT helps reduce such symptoms of depression by working to resolve key relationship conflicts and strengthen social support.
How does MDABC’s IPT program work?
In order to be considered for this program, you must be referred to us by a psychiatrist (not a general practitioner). Before the group starts, you will meet with Dr. Witt for 2 individual sessions to ensure IPT is a good fit, review expectations and establish interpersonal goals. The group will run for 10-12 consecutive weeks for 2 hours each week, via Zoom. The group will have 8-10 participants. After the group ends, you will again meet individual with Dr. Witt for a final discharge session.
What happens in group sessions?
A typical session will begin with each member discussing their progress since the last group meeting. Group members will then be given the opportunity to share their feelings around specific relationship challenges. As a group we may explore potential solutions and experiment with new ways of relating to others. Over time you may start to feel less isolated, benefiting from the support and genuine feedback. You may also find that as others deal with their problems you will learn more about your own. Although no specific homework is set, participants will be expected to work actively on their relationship goals outside of the group sessions.
Note: Medication management is not part of the IPT program.
IPT for Perinatal Depression
Research has shown that women are at increased risk for developing mental health problems during the role transition from motherhood (year one post partum), and that part of that risk comes from challenges that often arise in relationships during this time. This group was developed to address common relationship issues that may be contributing to depression in new mothers.
Next IPT Sessions
The next IPT group session and the first IPT-PN group session will run from mid-September to mid-December 2022.
How would I join the program?
The IPT program is suitable for some types of mental health problems, but not others. A referral from a psychiatrist (not a general practitioner) is required. Please ask your psychiatrist to fill out either the IPT or IPT-PN referral form (links below), and fax it to MDABC.
- IPT referral form (general)
- IPT-PN referral form (perinatal)