Interpersonal Therapy

Mental health doesn’t exist in a vacuum—the people around us shape it, the roles we play, and how we connect with others. That’s exactly where interpersonal therapy comes in.

Interpersonal therapy for mental health is a structured, evidence-based approach that focuses on improving the way we relate to others. It helps people understand the connection between their emotional well-being and their relationships, whether that means resolving conflict, coping with grief, or navigating major life changes.

At New Jersey Behavioral Health, interpersonal therapy is one of the many proven treatments we use to support lasting emotional healing.

What Is Interpersonal Therapy?

Interpersonal therapy (IPT) or interpersonal psychotherapy is a short-term, structured form of psychotherapy. It focuses on improving the quality of a person’s relationships and social interactions to support better mental health.

Rather than diving into the past, IPT helps individuals understand how their current relationships, communication patterns, and life roles affect their emotional well-being.

Originally developed in the 1970s as a treatment for major depression, interpersonal therapy was created with the idea that mental health symptoms are often closely tied to life events, especially those involving loss, conflict, or change.

Since then, IPT has been widely researched and is considered an evidence-based therapy, meaning that studies support its effectiveness.

While interpersonal therapy for mental health was first used to treat depression symptoms, it’s now also used to support individuals dealing with anxiety, PTSD, eating disorders, and other mental health conditions.

How Interpersonal Therapy Works

Interpersonal therapy for mental health is typically delivered over 12 to 16 sessions, making it a focused, time-limited approach that addresses the root of the issue rather than being seen as a maintenance treatment.

Each session builds on the one before, helping individuals explore the link between their emotional struggles and their interactions with others and interpersonal relationships.

Rather than diving into every aspect of someone’s past as some psychological treatments do, IPT hones in on the present—the here and now of your significant relationships, life roles, and emotional responses.

The therapy is structured around four main areas of focus, which are often tied to key stressors or life events:

1. Grief (Unresolved Loss)

This focus addresses complicated or prolonged grief that may follow the death of a loved one or another significant loss. IPT helps individuals process their emotions, adjust to life without the person, and find ways to reconnect with others and improve interpersonal functioning

2. Role Transitions

Life changes, such as a breakup, divorce, job loss, retirement, or becoming a parent, can all shake our sense of identity.

Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) helps people navigate these transitions, adjust to new roles, and manage the emotions that accompany major changes.

3. Interpersonal Conflicts and Disputes

Ongoing conflict in close relationships, whether with a partner, family member, or friend, can take a serious toll on your mental health.

This focus helps improve communication, reduce tension, and promote healthier, more constructive interactions.

4. Interpersonal Deficits

Some individuals struggle to form or maintain close relationships, often due to past experiences, anxiety, or trust issues.

IPT helps identify these patterns and build social skills and confidence to form meaningful connections.

Each of these areas is explored in a supportive and goal-oriented manner.

What Conditions Can Interpersonal Therapy Help Treat?

Although interpersonal therapy for mental health was originally developed to treat major depressive disorder, its reach goes far beyond depression. Because IPT focuses on relationships and life stressors—issues that often underlie emotional struggles—it’s been found effective for a range of mental conditions, including:

• Depression, especially major depressive symptoms, where interpersonal issues often contribute to emotional symptoms.
• Anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety and social anxiety, where communication struggles and relationship stress are key triggers.
• IPT is a leading therapy for women struggling with emotional changes and identity shifts after childbirth.
• While not a stand-alone treatment, IPT can be part of a broader plan to treat bipolar disorder and to help with mood regulation and relationship stability.
• PTSD (Posttraumatic Stress Disorder) is particularly useful when trauma has disrupted a person’s ability to trust or connect with others or their interpersonal skills.
• IPT can help address the interpersonal and emotional patterns that often accompany disordered eating, so it is, in some cases, used to treat eating disorders when guided by mental health professionals.

Dual Diagnosis Support

IPT can also be a valuable tool for individuals with dual diagnosis, according to clinical treatment guidelines, meaning co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders, by helping them manage emotional triggers and improve relationships damaged by addiction.

Benefits of Interpersonal Therapy

One of the biggest strengths of interpersonal theory-based therapy is that it goes beyond symptom relief. It also helps people build the skills and insight they need for lasting change.

Some of the key benefits include:

• Improved Communication Skills: You can learn to express needs clearly, set healthy boundaries, and manage conflict more effectively as you work with an IPT therapist.
• Emotional Awareness and Regulation: You’ll begin to understand how relationships impact your moods—and how to manage emotional responses in healthier ways.
• Stronger Personal Relationships: Repair strained connections, build new ones, and reduce feelings of isolation or loneliness.
• Lasting Coping Strategies: You’ll gain tools that help you manage life stressors now and in the future—even long after therapy ends.
• Integrates Well with Other Treatments: IPT can be used in conjunction with medication or other therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), making it a flexible option in a comprehensive care plan.

Interpersonal Therapy vs. Other Forms of Therapy

There are many effective types of talk therapy, each offering its unique approach.

So, how does interpersonal therapy (IPT) compare?

• CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) emphasizes identifying and changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. It’s very structured and often homework-based.
• DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) combines behavioral strategies with mindfulness, and is especially effective for emotional regulation and high-intensity mental health conditions like borderline personality disorder.
• Psychodynamic Therapy delves into past experiences, unconscious patterns, and how early relationships influence present behavior. It tends to be more long-term and insight-oriented.

Interpersonal therapy for mental health, on the other hand, stays rooted in the present.

Instead of focusing primarily on thoughts or the distant past, IPT zeroes in on your current relationships, communication patterns, and life roles—and how those might be affecting your mental health. It helps identify problematic interpersonal relationships through an interpersonal inventory.

When Is IPT a Better Fit?

IPT may be especially helpful if your struggles are closely tied to things like:

• Relationship conflicts
• Recent life changes (divorce, new job, becoming a parent)
• Grief or unresolved loss
• Feelings of isolation or disconnection

It’s often chosen when someone wants to improve their emotional well-being by strengthening the relationships that matter most.

Interpersonal Therapy at New Jersey Behavioral Health

At New Jersey Behavioral Health, we offer interpersonal therapy as part of our integrated mental health care approach.

We take time to understand your unique goals and challenges. IPT is tailored to your specific needs, whether you’re navigating grief, a role transition, or strained relationships.

Our clinicians are specially trained in interpersonal therapy and have experience treating co-occurring disorders, providing a well-rounded and supportive treatment experience.

Whether you’re in our Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), or Outpatient services, interpersonal therapy can be a consistent part of your care.

FAQs About Interpersonal Therapy

Is interpersonal therapy the same as talk therapy?

Yes and no. Interpersonal therapy (IPT) is a type of talk therapy, but it’s more structured and focused than traditional open-ended therapy. IPT specifically targets the way your relationships, roles, and communication patterns impact your mental health, making it especially effective for people struggling with life transitions, conflict, or isolation.

How quickly can I expect to see results from IPT?

Most people start to notice positive changes within just a few weeks. Since IPT typically lasts 12–16 sessions, it’s considered a short-term therapy with long-term benefits. The pace can vary depending on your goals, participation, and the nature of the issues you’re working through.

Can I combine IPT with medication or other therapies?

Absolutely. Interpersonal therapy works well in conjunction with other treatments, including medication, cognitive therapy, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), or holistic therapies. In fact, many people see the best outcomes when IPT is part of a personalized, multi-layered approach to care.

Does insurance cover IPT?

In many cases, yes. Most major insurance plans cover interpersonal therapy when provided by a licensed clinician. New Jersey Behavioral Health accepts a variety of insurance providers and can help with verifying your benefits during the intake process.

Can interpersonal therapy help with family conflict?

Yes. One of IPT’s core focuses is resolving interpersonal disputes since relationships affect mental health so deeply. Whether it’s conflict with a partner, parent, or sibling, IPT helps you improve communication, express your needs more clearly, and reduce emotional tension in close relationships.

Ready to take the next step? Contact us today to learn more about our programs or schedule your confidential intake.