What Does IPC Stand For? The Definition And More

By Sarah Fader

Updated December 06, 2018

Reviewer Wendy Boring-Bray, DBH, LPC

What Does IPC Stand for?

IPC stands for Interpersonal Counseling. It stems from Interpersonal Therapy, or IPT, and has shown to be extremely effective in clinical settings, especially in treating depression.

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What is IPT?

Knowing the definition of IPT, Interpersonal Therapy, is crucial to understanding its derivative, IPC. IPT is an evidence-based psychotherapy model developed by Klerman and Weissman that focuses on social roles and relationships and how to improve those relationships in the present. According to CRCHealth, IPT provides benefits such as improved relationships, heathier coping skills, and reduction in negative behaviors.

IPT is a short-term therapy, usually lasting a few months, and has shown to be effective in treating depression addiction, eating disorders, and bipolar disorder, among others. Clients are always welcome to come back for a follow up session, but most the work is done in a few months.

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What is IPC?

IPC, or Interpersonal Counseling, is a derivative of IPT, and is briefer and more structured than IPT. What sets it apart is that it is designed to be used in non-clinical settings. According to an article published in the American Journal of Psychotherapy, IPC is specifically designed to be used in primary care settings in accordance with the Affordable Care Act. The fact that IPC is evidence-based and more accessible than traditional mental health treatment means that it aligns with the goals of the Affordable Care Act.

The introduction of IPC has greatly reduced the strain on primary care physicians by providing them the ability to refer their patients to mental health professionals. It also gives patients options: they can choose whether they would like to receive medication or therapy to help with their presenting problem.

Unlike IPT, however, IPC is used exclusively to help depressed patients. The steps in IPC include identifying depressive symptoms, identifying social or interpersonal triggers for the depression, and identifying the client's resources and mechanism for coping with the problems.

IPC is not limited to mental health professionals. Across the globe, psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, social works, and mental health professionals have all received training in IPC. With more providers receiving training in IPC, the door is open for full outpatient mental health treatment - an option that the current healthcare system desperately needs.

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Getting the Help You Need

If you find yourself in need of professional mental health help, there are many resources available for you. Know that you are not alone when you seek treatment. As an example, BetterHelp is a company that offers pain online counseling and therapy. This is a company that strives to provide mental health help for those who want to avoid the stigma associated with seeking help anything that relates to mental health.

This company helps people with all sorts of presenting issues. If you find yourself in need of professional help or just want more information about IPC or IPT, reach out. This company is professional, affordable, and convenient. Find out more at their website.