Abstract
Background
A low number of older adults access Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) services in England. Barriers include ageism and stigma. Routine outcome measures (ROMs) assess the effectiveness of counselling, although counsellor and service‐level barriers prevent uptake.
Aims
Access rates of older adults to third sector (sometimes called voluntary or community sector) counselling and psychotherapy services were explored. The extent of ROM collection on psychological distress was assessed.
Methodology
Data collected between 2018 and 2019 were pooled across six third sector counselling services in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland (N = 2,757). Access based on age and gender was assessed, and the chi‐square analysis was used to compare gender distribution within the age groups. Availability of pre‐ and post‐therapy ROMs was assessed, and the chi‐square analysis was used to explore the age and gender differences in completion.
Findings
Lower access rates in people aged 65 and over (4.4%) were found compared with IAPT (7%). Access rates decreased further as age increased. Access of people aged 50 and over (24.5%) was below the 34.6% of the population in this age category. A third of people accessing counselling in all age groups were men. Only 28.6% completed a pre‐therapy ROM, and 29.5% of those clients subsequently completed a post‐therapy ROM.
Implications
Mental health promotion and adapting communication during counselling may help engage older adults and men in counselling. Training on working with older people and long‐term conditions is also beneficial. Support in using ROMs can improve uptake although organisational barriers may restrict implementation in the third sector.