First patient survey on mental health initiative

23 October 2013 - The first survey of people who have been referred to a psychologist by their general practitioner is being undertaken by the University of Sydney. Dr Gomathi Sitharthan , a senior lecturer in Psychology from the Faculty of Health Sciences and Honorary Professor in Psychiatry, Raj Sitharthan from Sydney Medical School , are inviting anyone who has seen a psychologist in the past two years to participate in an online survey. "There is good evidence to that access to mental health care has improved," Dr Sitharthan said. "While more people have access to care, we would like to know from the consumer's point of view what difference the treatment made. "This University of Sydney study is the first to look at what kind of expectations people had before they saw a psychologist and perhaps most importantly, if they were satisfied with the treatment they received," she said. The survey - which takes 30 to 40 minutes to complete - asks for example, about the frequency and length of sessions, if an assessment was conducted and results revealed, what were the most and least helpful aspects of the consultations, and if the patient felt confidence in the psychologist's approach and methods. It is hoped the survey will attract 2500 respondents within one year.