The Psychology Centre

Davis, J. (2007). Brief interventions in primary care mental health: 1. Effective intake and assessment processes. Paper presented at the annual conference of the New Zealand Psychological Society, Hamilton, New Zealand.

This presentation describes a large study being conducted in collaboration with Waikato Primary Health Organisation into the provision of brief mental health interventions within primary care environments. The background for this study is described, including the aims of and context for the provision of brief interventions within primary care, and the pilot projects that precede the current study. Preliminary data are presented which outline the users of this service (n>1,500),associated with referral, and usage of sessions. The intake assessment procedures and the results of these are explained.range of difficulties presented by service users is discussed, as assessed by therapists and referrers, and considered in light of the time-limited nature of the interventions. Based on these results, recommendations for the most appropriate triage and intake assessment processes for the continued provision of brief intervention and its evaluation are presented.