Abstract

Clinical psychologists are psychology graduates who have additionally completed 2 or 3 years’ training in the theory and practice of clinical psychology. In the NHS, most are organised in departments of clinical psychology within the mental health service. A 1977 report considered that clinical psychologists also had an important community-based role and might contribute significantly to the prevention of some illnesses and to primary care for others.¹ How can they best be used in primary care?