A cost-benefit analysis of the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies programme using its key defining outcomes

The economic argument underpinning the Improving Access to Psychological Therapy programme has been a central component in its initial and continued investment. Using open-access data, this article undertook a cost-benefit analysis using the programme’s key defining outcomes to determine its return-on-investment. It was found that in terms of investment and efficiency gains, the programme was in the higher ends of the cost spectrum for delivering psychological therapies. Although cost-estimates appear promising at first, when set in the context of a lower number of treatment contacts and a high proportion of early disengagement, estimates increased sharply.