Primary care mental health services
Established in 1998, primary care is a major aspect of our business. We are the South West’s largest independent provider of primary care mental health services. We provide such services in 70 GP practices across Cornwall.
The Department of Health’s Mental Health National Service Framework for Primary Care (NSF) notes that 25% of GP consultations relate to mental health and that 90% of mental health care is provided from primary care. These figures emphasise the importance of our service to GPs.
A Stepped Range of Therapy Approaches and Models of Delivery
People generally presenting with personal crises and emotional upheaval, (often connected with relationship breakdowns, bereavement, etc) will often benefit from counselling approaches.
However, when there are clinically definable problems, such as anxiety disorders, depression and post-traumatic stress disorders, the main NICE treatment guidelines highlight the usefulness of cognitive behavioural therapy or CBT. Our service provides a range of therapies, but we find the CBT model is probably the most useful for this group of patients.
Some patients are very responsive to a supported self-help model. This means they can be directed to self-help resources, such as books, websites and interactive computer programs, and are seen for short sessions or contacted by scheduled telephone calls or emails to support their progress.
Accessibility has been increased recently with the availability of evening appointments
We have addressed the need to keep our waiting times to a minimum with the use of immediate early assessment appointments offered at the point of referral to ensure all patients are seen and allocated to the correct service for their needs.