Medical psychotherapy: A specialty for now

Abstract

If many patients having multiple difficulties are to receive the integral and efficient psychotherapies they require, they need attention from psychiatrists who have specialised training in psychotherapy. This paper sets out the roles to which existing holders of the Certificate of Completion of Training have already moved to, as they work with patients, families, teams and organisations. The General Medical Council has recognised that the understanding of medical psychotherapists is also vital to the future clinical teaching of all psychiatric trainees. This paper summarises key components of the knowledge and roles of future specialists in medical psychotherapy. It recommends that the term 'medical psychotherapy' be used widely to clearly differentiate psychiatrists with this training and these responsibilities from non-medical psychotherapists.