GP use of psychotherapy services

Abstract

In a rapidly changing NHS, there is a great awareness of the need to consult with general practitioners about their expectations of a service. A number of studies have looked at GPs' perceptions of psychological and psychiatric services (e.g. Eastman & McPherson, 1982; Whitfield & Winter, 1980) but to date little is known about how GPs view psychotherapy services. About 40% of the referrals to the Leicestershire psychotherapy department come directly from GPs and the present study aimed to ascertain local GPs' perceptions of the service. This was timely for the purpose of planning local development but clearly has important implications for psychotherapy services in general.