Delivering a Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for psychosis (CBTp) informed crisis intervention in acute mental health inpatient settings: a therapy protocol

BackgroundPeople experiencing psychosis in acute crisis should be offered Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for psychosis (CBTp) however there are no protocols developed to inform delivery specifically for people in acute crisis receiving inpatient mental health care. This paper narratively describes a CBTp-informed crisis-focused therapy protocol to inform the delivery of therapy in inpatient settings.MethodThis study draws on relevant systematic reviews, qualitative interview studies with stakeholders, Delphi studies, and coproduction to develop the protocol. It draws upon crisis theories and CBTp theories to underpin it.ResultsThis paper outlines a modularised approach to working with people with psychosis and in crisis. It outlines the key values underpinning the protocol, and the key modules of: engagement, assessment and identifying priorities; formulation of the crisis, stabilisation, safety, and problem solving, crisis plans and crisis cards, change strategy work focusing on crisis appraisals, and discharge and relapse planning.DiscussionA crisis-focused cognitive behavioural therapy protocol is presented which can be used to inform therapy for people experiencing psychosis and in crisis. More research is required to explore the efficacy of such therapies.