GPs are increasingly directing vulnerable people to practitioners in a booming industry with no oversightI was struck by the news last week that GPs are so overwhelmed with mental health patients that they are directing them to the care of unregulated charities. Complex cases are now in the hands of therapists who are not always qualified to treat them.In one case, an autistic girl with an eating disorder was asked to self-refer to a local charity that offered “one-to-one support” – given by someone untrained in psychotherapy or counselling. Her mother, a former psychiatric nurse, became concerned that the treatment was doing more harm than good and put a stop to the sessions. Continue reading...
Due to overwhelmed GPs, more mental health patients are being directed to unregulated therapists and charities. This booming industry lacks oversight, allowing unqualified individuals to treat complex cases, potentially causing harm. While accreditation is available through organizations like BACP and UKCP, it's voluntary, and being struck off doesn't prevent someone from practicing.
