Depression services appeal

From Professor Chris Thompson

Director of health care services Priory, Leatherhead

Surrey

I would like to congratulate you on exposing the serious gaps in provision for psychotherapy services, particularly those for depression.

At Priory we have a national network of about 500 accredited and qualified therapists trained in a range of effective therapies.

We offer an assessment within 48 hours of referral and subsequent treatment programmes which integrate individual psychotherapy, group experiences and healthy lifestyle advice as required, based on the patient's needs.

Of course much of our work is currently funded by the private medical insurance companies, but there is no reason whatever that it should not be made available to NHS patients.

It is now time for NHS commissioners and GPs

to seriously consider outsourcing psychological therapy services to the independent sector.