GP blog on guidance for assessing depression in the GP surgery
In this quarter’s GP blog, Sean Lonergan, Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist in our Mood Disorders Service, provides guidance on how best to understand the different ways depression can present and the best principles and practices that can guide treatment planning.
SPMHS achieves full compliance across three approved centres in 2025
Reports released by the Mental Health Commission (MHC) from its 2025 inspections show full compliance across our 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 our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of care.
Referrals invited for Compassion-focused Therapy for Psychosis (CFT-P) programme
Our Psychology Department is now accepting referrals for the upcoming cycle of its 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 (such as schizophrenia) to participate - both those with and without such diagnoses are eligible to attend.
If you have any queries regarding a patient’s suitability for CFT-P, please contact Ms Tara Deehan, Senior Counselling Psychologist, by phoning 01 249 3578 or emailing tdeehan@stpatricks.ie.
Upcoming cycles of mood disorders programme
Direct referrals from GPs are now being accepted for the upcoming cycles of our following mood disorders programmes.
- Depression Recovery Programme: The Depression Recovery Programme is a 10-week psychotherapy online group intervention, offering education and support to people diagnosed with depression or who experience the symptoms associated with depression. The programme incorporates a combination of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), compassion-focused approaches and mindfulness-based stress reduction. The next cycle begins in August. Learn more about our Depression Recovery Programme here.
- Bipolar Recovery Programme: This programme is a 10-week psychotherapy online group intervention, offering education and support to people diagnosed with bipolar disorder or who experience the symptoms associated with bipolar disorder. The programme incorporates a combination of CBT, compassion-focused approaches and mindfulness-based stress reduction. The next cycle begins in September. Learn more about our Bipolar Recovery Programme here.
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
We are accepting direct referrals from GPs for our 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.
Save the date: Autumn GP Webinar Series
Another three webinars are due to take place over the Autumn months as part of our 2026 GP Webinar Series.
A webinar on addictions and dual diagnosis will take place from 7pm to 8pm on 7 October, and a webinar on eating disorders in adolescence will take place on 11 November between 7pm and 8pm. A third webinar will also take place, with the topic and date to be confirmed shortly.
Keep an eye here for more information and to register for these free webinars accredited by the Irish College of General Practitioners.
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Guidance for assessing depression in the GP surgery and when to refer to specialist care