Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) and IPT for Perinatal Depression program
with Dr. Kortney Witt
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 individually 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 about 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 postpartum), 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.
How to participate
To participate in the Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) program, you will need a referral from your psychiatrist (not a general practitioner). With the referral, the Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) program is covered by MSP.
To refer a patient to the Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) program, click here to download the referral form: IPT Referral form
Please fax the completed form to MDABC at **Our temporary Fax number: 1 866 821 5992. ** We apologize for any inconvenience.
Clients will receive a 50-minute psychiatric consultation with Dr. Kortney Witt prior to acceptance to ensure that the group is a good fit for the individual.
Space is limited, and not all referrals can be accepted. There will be a waiting list, and people will be assessed for commitment and availability before being accepted.
The Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) program meets once a week for 2 hours. The total program length is 10-12 weeks.
All sessions are currently held via ZOOM.