Psychotherapy in General Practice as an Independent field of Healthcare

Psychotherapy Training General practitioners

Authors

  • Kurt Fritzsche
    kurt.fritzsche@uniklinik-freiburg.de
    Professor, Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, School of Medicine, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
  • Michael Wirsching Professor, Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, School of Medicine, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
Vol 4, No 2: 2017
Review Article(s)
August 11, 2017

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Mental and psychosomatic problems and disorders are increasing and have become an enormous cost factor due to their chronification (increase in the periods of incapacity to work and a third of early retirement is due to mental disorders). A timely detection and targeted short-term interventions in primary care can, however, prevent their chronification. Patients desire the consideration of their psychosocial problems and emotional needs by their GP within the framework of professionally competent guided dialogues. Doctors with qualifications in psychosomatic basic care and an additional designation in psychotherapy are further trained for this and are able to intervene promptly and effectively.