Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)

What is interpersonal therapy?

Interpersonal therapy (IPT) is a time-limited therapy that focuses on how relationships and interactions with others affect our mood. Its main goal is to help people build and strengthen relationships, navigate challenges with others, and reduce emotional distress. Clients and their mental health provider work together to identify the focus of treatment. IPT addresses four main problem areas that can guide this work:

  • Role transitions: difficult life transitions (e.g., retirement, moving, divorce)

  • Role disputes: differing expectations within relationships

  • Grief: recent or past death of an individual

  • Interpersonal sensitivity: social isolation or unfulfilling relationships

Who is IPT for?

IPT was originally developed to treat depression, and it remains one of the most well-supported treatments for it. Since then, it's been adapted for a range of mood and relational concerns, including anxiety and eating disorders, particularly when interpersonal stress plays a key role.

Is IPT effective?

Yes. IPT is considered an evidence-based treatment, with decades of research supporting its effectiveness for depression across age groups and treatment settings. Clients often see meaningful improvements in both mood and relationship satisfaction by the end of treatment, and the skills built during IPT are designed to stick even after treatment is done.

What can I expect from treatment?

IPT involves 12-16 weeks of individual or group therapy, structured around homework and ongoing assessments. Overall, the treatment is broken down into three main phases:

  1. Initial phase: The mental health provider conduct an assessment to understand the client’s mental health history and current social patterns within significant relationships. Together, they determine the problem area to target

  2. Middle phase: Focus is on the problem area, though it may shift as client needs change. During this phase, the client practices various skills that support effective communication and decision-making to work through interpersonal difficulties and mood concerns.

  3. Final phase: The mental health provider and client review treatment gains and identify the skills that will support maintenance and prevent relapse.

Where can I find more information?

The International Society for Interpersonal Psychotherapy (ISIPT) for an overview of IPT basics: https://interpersonalpsychotherapy.org/ipt-basics/overview-of-ipt/

Brief video overview by IPT co-founder Myrna Weissman: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrClyDVL43I

The bottom line on IPT.

IPT is an active, practical approach that helps people feel better by improving the relationships around them. With evidence-based care, distress can ease, conflicts can resolve, and life transitions become easier to move through.

Author: Destiny Wright

Edited By: Alyssa Herman