Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) is a structured, time-limited, evidence-based psychological therapy focused on improving interpersonal functioning to relieve psychological distress. It is one of the most extensively researched treatments for depression and is also effective for grief, life transitions, relationship difficulties, and eating disorders.
Our registered psychologists in Melbourne offer Interpersonal Therapy across four clinic locations and via Telehealth.
WorkCover, NDIS or TAC approved? YOU PAY NOTHING.
If your claim has been approved, we bill your funder directly. Zero out-of-pocket cost — no gap, no upfront payment, nothing.
Interpersonal Therapy was developed in the early 1970s by psychiatrists Gerald Klerman and Myrna Weissman at Yale University, initially as a structured research treatment for depression. Its foundational efficacy was established in the landmark study by Klerman et al. (1974). IPT is now listed as a first-line psychological treatment for depression in clinical guidelines worldwide, including Australia’s NHMRC and the UK’s NICE guidelines.
IPT is built on the clinical observation that psychological distress — particularly depression — is closely connected to what is happening in our relationships and social lives. It does not investigate childhood or personality in depth; instead it focuses on the present: what is happening in your relationships right now, and how that is connected to how you are feeling.
IPT identifies one or two problem areas from four interpersonal domains:
IPT is particularly effective for:
A meta-analysis found IPT was significantly more effective than control conditions for depression and other mental health conditions, with treatment gains maintained at follow-up (Cuijpers et al., 2011).
IPT is structured in three phases:
Our psychologists are trained in IPT and use it as a standalone treatment or integrated with other evidence-based approaches where presentations are complex.
Early sessions map your significant relationships — who is important in your life, the quality of those relationships, and where there are patterns of difficulty or unresolved grief. This provides the focus for treatment.
Sessions focus specifically on the identified problem area — whether that is unresolved grief, an ongoing relationship dispute, or a difficult life transition. Your psychologist uses structured techniques specific to each problem area.
For interpersonal disputes and deficits, sessions examine specific interactions in detail — what was said, what each person intended, and what each heard — then develop more effective communication approaches.
IPT uses role-play within sessions to practise new ways of communicating and handling interpersonal situations, building confidence for real-world application.
Your first appointment explores your current difficulties, recent life events, and the key relationships in your life. Together you and your psychologist will identify the interpersonal problem area most connected to your distress and set clear, measurable goals for treatment.
Standard IPT is brief — typically 12–16 weekly sessions. It is highly structured, focused, and evidence-based. Many people notice significant improvement in mood and relationships within 8–10 sessions.
We offer appointments in-clinic at our Mooroolbark, Wheelers Hill, Reservoir, and Melbourne CBD locations, as well as Telehealth sessions from anywhere in Australia.
WorkCover, NDIS or TAC approved? YOU PAY NOTHING.
If your claim has been approved, we bill your funder directly. Zero out-of-pocket cost — no gap, no upfront payment, nothing.
No. IPT is an individual therapy that focuses on your relationship to interpersonal problems, not conjoint therapy with your partner. However, it specifically addresses relationship conflicts and communication patterns as they connect to your mental health.
CBT focuses primarily on changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviours. IPT focuses on the connection between your relationships, life circumstances, and mood. Both are highly evidence-based for depression; IPT is often preferred when interpersonal difficulties or recent life events are clearly central to the presenting problem.
Yes. IPT delivered by a registered psychologist is covered by Medicare rebates via a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP.
Your relationships and your mental health are connected. IPT addresses both — directly and effectively.
Klerman, G. L., DiMascio, A., Weissman, M., Prusoff, B., & Paykel, E. S. (1974). Treatment of depression by drugs and psychotherapy. American Journal of Psychiatry, 131(2), 186–191. https://doi.org/10.1176/ajp.131.2.186
Cuijpers, P., Geraedts, A. S., van Oppen, P., Andersson, G., Markowitz, J. C., & van Straten, A. (2011). Interpersonal psychotherapy for depression: A meta-analysis. American Journal of Psychiatry, 168(6), 581–592. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ajp.2010.10101411
