PRO: CBT-I for insomnia treatment can be delivered by a range of healthcare providers

The following argument was prepared in response to the question without the knowledge of the contents of the opposing argument. Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) adapts core cognitive and behavioral principles to treatment of insomnia disorder. The same is true for CBT when adapted for anxiety, depression and other mental health disorders. A diverse range of professional groups (including psychologists, nurses, therapists, occupational therapists, physicians, and social workers) provide CBT worldwide and based on research evidence and common practice this is also the case for CBT-I. All health care systems require generalists and specialists to meet population need with appropriate levels of care delivered within the boundaries of their statutory regulation and competence. Consequently, who may deliver CBT-I is a generic matter of clinical governance. Professionals need to have a license to practice, which confers the qualified right to, and accountability for, treating patients. Core registration and any other credentials and expertise should be in the in the public domain, and open to scrutiny and challenge. Professionals delivering CBT-I need to operate safely, effectively, and within the limits of their qualifications and expertise. Core licensing bodies must ensure necessary standards of training, supervision, and treatment practice are established and maintained. Stepped care offers not only an efficient model for managing the large number of patients with insomnia, making best use of the professional skill-mix, but also may be adopted by services as a clinical governance model to ensure best treatment and best practice.