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Dept of Health

Answer

Dr. Naysmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many primary care trusts have commissioned (a) counselling, (b) cognitive therapy, (c) psychotherapy, (d) complementary therapy and (e) exercise on prescription for people with mental health problems. [60566] Jacqui Smith: Central records are not kept of commissioning by primary care trusts of the services listed. However, we are well aware that these approaches are of benefit in mental health promotion, and in the treatment of mental illness. Clinical decisions about their use for individual patients are taken locally in the context of national guidance, the evidence base, and the available resources. We have set out seven standards for the delivery of effective mental health services in the mental health national service framework. Standards one, two and three set out the action needed to ensure effective access to assessment and treatment in and through primary care. The Department published an evidence based clinical guideline `Treatment Choice in Psychological Therapies and Counselling' to help guide referrers. `Making it happen--A guide to delivering mental health promotion' was published by the Department later in 2001; it contains a section entitled `Physical activity as treatment', and in March 2001 we published a response to the Lords inquiry on complementary medicine, welcoming the report's recommendations.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

60566; 386 c1118W

Session

2001-02

Subjects

Counselling Complementary medicine Health services Primary care trusts Mental health services Exercise

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk