RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Improving access to primary mental health care: uncontrolled evaluation of a pilot self-help clinic.
JF British Journal of General Practice
JO Br J Gen Pract
FD British Journal of General Practice
SP 133
OP 135
VO 53
IS 487
A1 Lovell, Karina
A1 Richards, David A
A1 Bower, Peter
YR 2003
UL http://bjgp.org/content/53/487/133.abstract
AB Psychological therapy is widespread in primary care, but demand often exceeds supply. Innovative self-help approaches may overcome some problems associated with access to therapists. The feasibility, acceptability, efficiency, and effectiveness of a fast-access mental health self-help clinic were examined in a pilot study. The therapist saw 159 patients in 16 months, and on average required only one hour per patient. Generally, patients who used the clinic were satisfied. They reported similar levels of distress at baseline as patients in traditional psychological therapy services, and comparable outcomes. The self-help clinic approach should be evaluated formally within a randomised controlled trial.