What are the recommended follow-up protocols for patients who have undergone counselling in primary care?

Patients who have undergone counselling in primary care should have their progress assessed through a process tailored on a case-by-case basis within the practice. This monitoring may include the use of short, self-completed outcome questionnaires to track symptom changes and treatment effectiveness. Contact with primary healthcare professionals should be offered to monitor progress and consider alternative interventions if needed, typically at intervals between every 4 and 8 weeks. If psychological interventions such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) are provided, the practice should have a system to assess progress throughout the course of therapy. For patients also receiving pharmacological treatment, reviews should occur at 2 weeks after starting medication, then at 4, 6, and 12 weeks, with ongoing reviews every 8 to 12 weeks if treatment continues beyond 12 weeks. If after two interventions (psychological, medication, or bibliotherapy) significant symptoms persist, referral to specialist mental health services should be considered. Effective communication between primary care and secondary care clinicians is essential for coordinated follow-up and management.