Family physicians and referral for psychotherapy.
This study examines the factors influencing family physicians' patient referrals for psychotherapy. A questionnaire designed from a pilot study of the full-time family practice faculty at Wright State University was mailed to all members (154) of the voluntary family practice faculty at Wright State University with a 63 percent return rate. Results indicated the most important factors in determining whether a patient is referred for psychotherapy include the severity of the problem, the threat of suicide, and the need for specialized treatment. The most important therapist characteristics looked for by a family physician are ability, availability, appreciation of the person as a whole, interaction skills, and experience. The article also discusses the ways in which family physicians find a psychotherapist, the feedback desired by the family physician from a psychotherapist, and type of psychotherapist discipline preferred by the family physician for handling various patient situations.
Rudisill
J R
JR
Department of Family Practice, Wright State University School of Medicine, Dayton, OH 45401-0927.
Painter
A F
AF
Rodenhauser
P
P
Gillen
J C
JC
D005194:Family Practice; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D011613:Psychotherapy; D012017:Referral and Consultation