Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (HPFT) has co-produced a Depression Pathway with system partners and people with lived experience. This is the first evidence-based, system-wide pathway in the UK to be implemented across health, social care, and voluntary organisations bringing everyone together to improve how we recognise, treat, and prevent depression.
Based on the latest NICE guidelines (2022), the Depression Pathway provides a standardised approach to identifying and supporting people living with depression. It ensures that everyone regardless of where they access care receives consistent, evidence-based support.
What the Depression Pathway Means?
The pathway focuses on earlier recognition, so that people receive help when they need it most. It introduces standardised assessments using the PHQ-9 tool, already familiar to many. This ensures that interventions are matched to the severity of depression, forming a “matched care model” in line with NICE guidance.
Monitoring progress through repeat assessments helps ensure that the chosen intervention is effective and appropriate for the individual, allowing care teams to adjust treatment when necessary.
The Pathway also promotes the use of evidence-based self-help tools such as the ‘10 Keys to Happier Living’, and social prescribing to local community assets, helping individuals maintain wellbeing and prevent relapse.
What this means for people you support?
- Earlier recognition and timely support
- Clarity and consistency in what care they can expect
- Joined-up care across health, social care, and voluntary organisations
- Evidence-based, tailored interventions matched to need
- Regular follow-up to measure progress and outcomes
- Prevention-focused support, linking people to community and voluntary sector resources
Ultimately, this pathway supports the vision of place-based, integrated care providing the right care, at the right time, in the right place.
How HCPA Can Support You?
At HCPA, we’re committed to helping providers and their teams put this pathway into practice through our extensive Mental Health Resource Library and tiered training offer:
- Explore our resources
Our online Resource Library is full of guidance, toolkits, and learning materials linked to depression, mental health, and wellbeing- Depression Pathway Communications toolkit. These resources are designed to support adult care providers in building confidence and consistency when working with individuals experiencing low mood or depression.
- Access our tiered Mental Health Training
We offer tiered training to support care staff at every level:
- Tier 1 – Awareness: Short interactive online sessions to build understanding of mental health, schizophrenia, bipolar and depression
- Tier 2 – Mental Health Extended Knowledge: In-depth courses to help staff apply strategies in care settings
- Tier 3 – Mental Health Champion: Develop leadership skills to champion mental health best practice within your organisation
- Tier 4 – Manager-Level Training: Specialist sessions, including Trauma-Informed Care, to help leaders embed mental health strategies across their services
Click here to see upcoming training
Together, these training opportunities complement the HPFT Depression Pathway and help ensure that all staff feel equipped to deliver compassionate, evidence-based mental health support.