Electronic Letters to:
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eLetters: Electronic letters published:
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CBT for common mental health problems
- Lesley V. Harvey, Andrew Tovey (22 February 2006)
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Lesley V. Harvey, G.P. Liaison Nurse Mental Health, Andrew Tovey
Send letter to journal:
Lesley.Harvey{at}nglam-tr.wales.nhs.uk Lesley V. Harvey, et al.
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We would like to draw Mr Gournay's attention to the fact that CBT for common mental health problems has been available since January 2002 in Merthyr Tydful. Although underfunded (currently two mental health nurses to cover a population of about 67,000!)we have made a huge difference to referral patterns from G.P.s to the community mental health team and consultant psychiatrists. The annual report for 2004 cited a 66% reduction in referrals to the consultant for the south and a 47% reduction in referrals to the consultant in the north of Merthyr. Feedback via anonynomous patient satisfaction survey has been very good as have reports to G.P.s about satisfaction with treatment. Unfortunately, with regard to the development of mental health sevices there appears to be an obsession with crisis resolution. We would argue that this is like putting the cart before the horse. Surely it is better to work towards crisis prevention by helping clients to identify and use problem solving techniques and coping strategies. |
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