Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) is an evidence-based approach to treat mood disorders. The goal of this therapy is to improve the quality of a client’s interpersonal relationships and social functioning. It also aims to help reduce overall distress. One of the areas that IPT addresses is interpersonal deficits, including social isolation or involvement in unfulfilling relationships. Additionally, this therapy help patients to manage unresolved grief, especially if the onset of distress is linked to the death of a loved one, either recent or past. Also, IPT can help with difficult life transitions like retirement, divorce, or a move. Moreover, IPT is recommended for dealing with interpersonal disputes between partners, family members, close friends, or coworkers.

IPT was originally developed to treat major depressive disorder but has prooved effective for conditions such as eating disorders, perinatal depression, drug and alcohol addiction, and dysthymia. Interpersonal psychotherapy was developed more than 20 years ago as a time-structured treatment for major depression. IPT examines current rather than past relationships, and recognizes internal conflicts. Change in the social environment is considered a key factor in the onset of depression as well as continued depression. The IPT model was originally meant for adults but has been modified for practice with adolescents and elderly patients.

A therapist should help the patient identify any interpersonal issues he or she wants to address, and rank them in order of importance. The role of a therapist in this approach is to clarify issues, analyze communication, and support listening. IPT is available in clinics, private practice, and other settings and institutions. It consists of individual therapy sessions or group work completed within 12 to 16 weeks. Treatment is structured with homework, continuous assessment, and interviews by the therapist. Group therapy  pre-treatment, mid-treatment, and post-treatment individual meetings to review goals, strategies, and progress.