Clinical psychologist in primary care: controlled clinical and economic evaluation

Abstract

In a controlled, evaluated study of a behaviourally orientated clinical psychology service based in a health centre two randomised groups of patients were compared. Patients in the control group received usual primary care management; subject patients received the same, but in addition were able to consult a clinical psychologist in the health centre. Outcome was assessed by psychosocial and economic measures. These showed changes in favour of the subject condition, many of which were statistically significant.