The Association of Adult Psychotherapists was formed in 1992 by psychoanalytic and psychodynamic psychotherapists working in the NHS.  Adult psychotherapist posts have gradually grown in number but non-medical adult psychotherapy is not recognised as a distinct profession by the department of health. The resulting absence of national guidelines has caused uncertainty for employers and wide variations in employment practices.  The Group was formed in response to this with the aim of promoting more effective standards and practice in this field.

The AAP worked closely with Amicus (now Unite) to develop nationally agreed profiles for adult psychotherapists, and continues to play a key role in campaigning for appropriate gradings.

The NHS is a constantly changing organisation and as a group we aim to keep abreast of new developments such as improving access to psychological therapies; foundation trust status and practice based commissioning to mention a few. This group brings together NHS adult psychotherapists to share information, experience and best practice, striving at all times to address the national picture.