Primary care mental health practitioners
In 2022 we introduced the roles of the primary care mental health practitioners. The practitioners are based within primary care networks, who are a group of GP practices working together.
The benefits of having a primary care mental health practitioner in a GP setting is easy access and shorter waiting times. There are a total of 10 practitioners and all of them have a lot of experience in local mental health services, they also have specialist knowledge and will make sure the individual receives the care and support they need.
When an individual is referred by a healthcare professional to the practitioner, the practitioner will offer an initial assessment, give advice on how they can look after their mental health and wellbeing. This will include diet, sleep and exercise as well as signposting to other services provided by the voluntary and community sector, if needed. Or the individual may need to be referred to a specialist service depending on their need.
If you or a family member feel that you would benefit from seeing a primary care mental health practitioner, please speak to your GP or a healthcare professional at your GP practice.
Below are short clips from a practitioner and a team leader, as well as a case study of someone who had been referred to the practitioner and the outcome.
Meet Nadiah, a primary care mental health practitioner for Affinity Care, a primary care network in Bradford
Meet Nykhola, the team leader for the primary care mental health practitioners