Consultant psychologist pilot scheme leading the way

Harewood Medical Practice is hosting a unique pilot in which we have a consultant psychologist on secondment from our local mental health trust who is working in a similar way to a GP. Cathy Byard has held a number of senior psychologist posts, most recently as lead psychologist in Stockton Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services.

Cathy works as a GP in the practice with a remit of mental health, rather than physical health, seeing patients (adults and children) who are able to self-refer for a wide range of mental health concerns. Appointments, available within 48 hours, offer patients direct access to a mental health professional who can offer assessment, psycho-education, brief intervention, signposting and referral where necessary. Cathy also offers more in depth work with those patients for whom early intervention could avert significant deterioration.