What is covered in this topic?

This topic gives an overview of common psychological interventions that are recommended in these guidelines for the management of psychiatric disorders. It does not contain comprehensive information on all psychological interventions.

Psychological interventions are an important treatment component for psychiatric disorders, either as an alternative or adjunct to pharmacotherapy. The choice of psychological intervention depends on the efficacy of specific interventions for the patient’s psychiatric disorder, the typical needs of patients with that psychiatric disorder, and the needs of the individual patient.

Depending on the intervention, psychological interventions may be delivered by a psychiatrist, psychologist, suitably trained general medical practitioner, counsellor, mental health nurse, social worker or other clinician. They can be delivered individually, as part of a group, online or face-to-face. The patient’s primary treating clinician may refer the patient to a suitable clinician for a psychological intervention. Clinicians involved in the multidisciplinary treatment team should communicate to ensure continuity of care.