It’s a very approachable therapy if your mental health struggles are tied to relationships, grief, life changes, or social isolation.

1. Understand what IPT is and isn’t

Before you commit, make sure you’re clear on what IPT involves:

• • 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.

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:

• • Search directories like:

• • • Psychology Today.
    • GoodTherapy.
    • IPT Institute Therapist Directory.

• • Use keywords like:

“Interpersonal psychotherapy”, “IPT therapist near me”, or “IPT for depression”

• • Filter by your needs: online vs in-person, insurance coverage, language, gender, etc.

3. Book a consultation or intake session

Your first session is usually an assessment, where you and the therapist:

• • 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.

4. Start the therapy process
   
   

Once you’re in, here’s what IPT typically looks like:

• • Phase 1: Initial sessions (sessions 1–3)

• • • 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.

• • Phase 2: Active work (sessions 4–12)

• • • Focused work on your chosen issue, such as grief, role change, or conflict.

• • • Learn and practice:

• • • • Communication skills.
      • Boundary-setting.
      • Emotional expression.
      • Conflict resolution.

• • • Homework may include journaling, role-plays, or trying new interpersonal strategies.

• • Phase 3: Termination (sessions 13–16)

• • • 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.

5. Understand the costs and coverage
   
   

IPT is often covered under:

• • 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:

• • 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.	☐