Galicia health service launches psychologist network to relieve primary‑care overload

The Galician health department (Sergas) reports that mental‑health issues now account for between one‑third and one‑half of all primary‑care visits. To lessen the burden on family doctors, Sergas is expanding a network of clinical psychologists in health‑centre outpatient units, having already added 28 practitioners and issuing a new protocol for treating depression, stress and anxiety.

Under the protocol, patients aged 16 or older with mild or moderate disorders will be evaluated by primary‑care doctors and, when appropriate, referred to on‑site psychologists for 3‑7 individual or group sessions. More severe cases, including risk of suicide, self‑harm, or substance‑use disorders, will be sent to hospitals, with a fast‑track option ensuring mental‑health unit appointments within 15 days. Telemedicine consultations are also included, with a two‑week maximum waiting period. The initiative aims to shorten access times, reduce medicalisation and promote complementary measures such as exercise, social activities and self‑care practices.