It’s a very approachable therapy if your mental health struggles are tied to relationships, grief, life changes, or social isolation.
My full IPT guide can be found here.
- Understand what IPT is and isn’t
Before you commit, make sure you’re clear on what IPT involves:
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- It’s short-term (usually 12–16 sessions).
- It is goal-oriented and focuses on your current relationships and roles.
- It’s not about digging into childhood or unconscious processes.
- You’ll work on a specific interpersonal issue (grief, role transitions, role disputes, or social isolation).
If that sounds like something that fits your needs, you’re ready for step 2.
- Find a qualified IPT therapist
IPT is a specialized approach, so it’s important to find a therapist trained in IPT, not just general talk therapy.
Here’s how to find one:
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- Search directories like:
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- Use keywords like:
“Interpersonal psychotherapy”, “IPT therapist near me”, or “IPT for depression”
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- Filter by your needs: online vs in-person, insurance coverage, language, gender, etc.
- Book a consultation or intake session
Your first session is usually an assessment, where you and the therapist:
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- Discuss your symptoms and history.
- Isolate important interpersonal issues (like grief, a recent breakup, or ongoing conflict).
- Set goals for therapy, like improving communication with a partner or rebuilding social support after a loss.
You’ll also get a feel for whether you click with the counselor, because that therapeutic connection matters to optimize treatment outcomes.
- Start the therapy process
Once you’re in, here’s what IPT typically looks like:
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- Phase 1: Initial sessions (sessions 1–3)
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- Diagnosis and symptom tracking (like PHQ-9 for depression).
- Find the main interpersonal issue causing distress.
- Set goals for therapy.
- Start building insight into how your mood is tied to relationships or transitions.
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- Phase 2: Active work (sessions 4–12)
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- Focused work on your chosen issue, such as grief, role change, or conflict.
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- Learn and practice:
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- Communication skills.
- Boundary-setting.
- Emotional expression.
- Conflict resolution.
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- Homework may include journaling, role-plays, or trying new interpersonal strategies.
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- Phase 3: Termination (sessions 13–16)
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- Review progress.
- Prepare for the end of therapy.
- Make a relapse prevention plan.
- Reflect on what you’ve learned and how to use it moving forward.
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- Understand the costs and coverage
IPT is often covered under:
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- Public health insurance (in some countries with national health systems).
- Private health insurance (check your policy for “psychotherapy” coverage).
- Sliding scale therapists or clinics if money is tight.
If you’re in Belgium (or another EU country), check with:
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- Your GP or psychiatrist for a referral.
- Accredited mental health centers.
Quick checklist:
| Task: | Done? |
| Understand IPT and what it focuses on. | ☐ |
| Search for a trained IPT therapist. | ☐ |
| Book a consultation session. | ☐ |
| Identify your interpersonal focus area. | ☐ |
| Begin short-term, structured sessions. | ☐ |
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