GP blog on guidance for assessing depression in the GP surgery
In this quarter’s GP newsletter blog, Sean Lonergan, Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist, Mood Disorders Service at St Patrick’s Mental Health Services (SPMHS) provides guidance on how best to understand the different ways depression can present and the best principles and practices that can guide treatment planning.
St Patrick’s Mental Health Services achieves full compliance across three approved centres in 2025
Reports released by the Mental Health Commission (MHC) from its 2025 inspections of St Patrick’s Mental Health Services’ (SPMHS) approved centres show full compliance across all three approved centres.
St Patrick’s University Hospital, St Patrick’s Hospital Lucan and Willow Grove Adolescent Unit were awarded compliance ratings of 100% in the 2025 annual inspections, reflecting the continued commitment of SPMHS to maintaining the highest standards of care.
Referrals invited for Compassion-focused Therapy for Psychosis (CFT-P) programme
The Psychology Department at SPMHS is now accepting referrals for the upcoming cycle of its Compassion-Focused Therapy for Psychosis (CFT-P) programme, starting 27 May 2026. CFT-P is aimed at people with experiences of psychosis, such as paranoia or delusions. It is not necessary to have a diagnosis related to psychosis (eg. schizophrenia) to participate - both those with and without such diagnoses are eligible to attend.
If you have any queries regarding an individual’s suitability for the CFT-P programme, please contact Ms Tara Deehan, Senior Counselling Psychologist, Tel: 01 249 3578 or email: tdeehan@stpatricks.ie.
Upcoming cycles of the Mood Disorders Programme
Direct referrals from GPs are now being accepted for the upcoming cycles of the following Mood Disorders Programmes at St Patrick’s Mental Health Services:
- Depression Recovery Programme: The Depression Recovery Programme is a 10-week psychotherapy online group intervention, offering education and support to those diagnosed with depression or who experience the symptoms associated with depression. The programme incorporates a combination of cognitive behavioural therapy, compassion-focused approaches and mindfulness-based stress reduction. Next cycle commences in August.
- The Bipolar Recovery Programme: This programme is a 10-week psychotherapy online group intervention, offering education and support to those diagnosed with bipolar disorder or who experience the symptoms associated with bipolar disorder. The programme incorporates a combination of cognitive behavioural therapy, compassion-focused approaches and mindfulness-based stress reduction. Next cycle commences in September.
Support seminars for family and friends
Two support sessions are offered to nominated supporters of service users taking part in the Depression Recovery Programme and the Bipolar Recovery Programme to encourage those in recovery to develop a support network around them. The seminar runs over two half-days per year. The next seminars will take place on 15 and 22 September (Bipolar Support Seminar) and 13 and 20 September (Depression Support Seminar).
Referrals invited for specialist mental health assessment clinic for women aged 45 to 65
St Patrick’s Mental Health Services is accepting direct referrals from GPs for its specialist mental health assessment clinic for women aged 45 to 65. Led by a Consultant Psychiatrist and Clinical Nurse Manager, the Midlife Women’s Mental Health Assessment Clinic at SPMHS is designed to support positive mental health and healthy ageing in midlife women, recognising the challenges and demands facing women in this cohort and the associated mental health impacts. The assessment informs recommendations for tailored treatment options and supports, with the goal of offering a treatment plan that can promote resilience, optimise mental health and support wellbeing through midlife and beyond.
Click here for more information about Midlife Women’s Mental Health Assessment Clinic.
Save the date: Autumn CPD GP Webinar Series
Another three webinars are scheduled to take place over the Autumn months as part of the 2026 GP Webinar Series:
- 7 October | 19.00 – 20.00: Addictions and dual diagnosis
- 11 November | 19.00 – 20.00: Eating disorders in adolescence
- Date TBC | 19.00 – 20.00: Eating disorders in adults.
Keep an eye on stpatricks.ie/events for more information and to register for these free, ICGP CE accredited webinars.
Continue to…
Guidance for assessing depression in the GP surgery and when to refer to specialist care