Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT)

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Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT)

Evidence Status: Well-established evidence

Medically reviewed · Dr. Sarah Whitfield, PsyD · Sunday, 16 August 2026

A time-limited therapy focused on improving current relationship difficulties and social functioning to relieve depressive and mood symptoms.

What Is Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT)?

Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) is a structured, time-limited psychotherapy that focuses on the connection between current relationship difficulties and mood symptoms. It differs from insight-oriented therapies by focusing specifically on present relationship issues within a defined problem area, rather than broader patterns or the past.

How It Works

IPT is based on the premise that mood symptoms often arise or worsen in the context of specific interpersonal problem areas: grief, role disputes, role transitions, or interpersonal deficits. Treatment focuses on identifying the relevant problem area and working through it using structured communication and problem-solving strategies. This description uses original explanatory language.

What Happens During Therapy?

IPT typically begins with an assessment identifying the primary interpersonal problem area, followed by a middle phase working directly on that area through discussion, role-play, and communication skills practice, and a final phase reviewing progress and planning for the future.

Evidence and Effectiveness

Research supports IPT for depression, including as an effective alternative or complement to medication, with evidence from numerous randomized controlled trials. Evidence also supports adapted forms of IPT for bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder, and for perinatal depression specifically.

Who May Benefit?

IPT may be considered as part of an individualized treatment plan for people whose depression appears closely tied to relationship changes, conflicts, losses, or transitions, or for certain eating disorders.

Limitations and Considerations

IPT is a focused, structured approach that may be less suited to individuals whose primary concerns are not clearly linked to interpersonal issues. Availability of IPT-trained clinicians can vary by region.

Finding a Qualified Therapist

IPT is delivered by psychologists, licensed clinical social workers, licensed mental health counselors, and other mental health professionals trained specifically in the IPT model.

How Long Does Therapy Take?

IPT is typically delivered over a defined course, often cited in research as approximately 12 to 16 sessions, though treatment length varies according to the person, condition, severity, and clinician.

Therapy vs. Medication

For depression, IPT and medication are not necessarily competing options; research supports both as effective treatments individually, with combined treatment sometimes used for more severe or recurrent depression, in consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.

What Conditions Is It Used For?

Major Depressive Disorder

A mood disorder involving persistent sadness or loss of interest that interferes with daily life for at least two weeks.

Bulimia Nervosa

An eating disorder involving recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors such as self-induced vomiting or excessive exercise.

Binge-Eating Disorder

An eating disorder involving recurrent episodes of eating unusually large amounts of food with a sense of loss of control, without regular compensatory behaviors.

Postpartum Depression

A depressive episode that occurs during pregnancy or in the weeks to months following childbirth.

Related Therapy Types

Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT)

A structured therapy for bipolar disorder that combines interpersonal therapy techniques with strategies to stabilize daily routines and sleep-wake rhythms.

Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Adolescents

A developmentally adapted version of interpersonal psychotherapy for depressed adolescents, addressing relationship changes common to teenage life.

Supportive Psychotherapy

A therapy approach focused on providing empathic support, encouragement, and practical coping assistance rather than deep exploration or structured skill-building.

Medical Information Disclaimer

Ratel Health provides general educational information and does not provide medical diagnosis, treatment, or individualized medical advice. Information on this page is not a substitute for evaluation or care from a qualified healthcare professional. Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or another person, or to start, stop, or change treatment or medication without consulting an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.

References

  • American Psychological Association. Clinical Practice Guidelines.
  • American Psychiatric Association. Practice Guidelines.
  • National Institute of Mental Health. Psychotherapies.