ABSTRACT
Early intervention can be defined as some form of helpful input provided shortly after a need has arisen. There is also debate about the difference between prevention and early intervention. In primary care settings people present with psychological problems requiring information, counselling, support, and crisis intervention. Patients' expectations are rising and the psychological aspects of many conditions require a counselling intervention component. The voluntary and self-help agencies are expanding in many areas to provide invaluable first-hand practical and psychological support, especially for carers. Also in primary care come crisis intervention teams, which link tertiary experience with primary care settings to offer a rapid response and short-term intervention. One study in Tower Hamlets has shown that for the cost of two hospital beds over 12 months, a crisis intervention team supported 117 families over the same period. The area in which early intervention has been shown to be effective is with relapse prevention for people with long-term mental health needs.
