Brief interventions

Brief interventions are suitable for people with mild to moderate levels of problems, whereas people with more severe or complex problems are referred to specialist services (Matua Raki, 2012).

Brief intervention, as discussed here, refers to first responses to people presenting at lower levels of stepped care. This differs from brief therapy which refers to the targeted, higher intensity interventions that can be delivered at higher levels of stepped care.

Brief interventions appropriate for use in primary health care settings commonly include:

• giving people feedback and raising awareness following screening and identification of mental health and/or addiction issues
• building positive options for the person, aimed at enhancing wellbeing and resilience
• assessment of motivation and readiness for change
• problem-solving, goal setting and/or relapse prevention
• education for the person (and family and whānau) about the problems/disorders and treatment options
• advice about addressing lifestyle risk factors, for example, sleep hygiene, relaxation strategies and self-care
• cognitive behavioural based self-help resources (either guided by a professional or not)
• behavioural activation techniques
• active monitoring of symptoms to identify whether more intensive treatment is required
• short courses of talking therapy.

Evidence shows that brief interventions for anxiety and depression are effective during the emerging stages of people's mental distress. There is also strong evidence to support the use of brief interventions for people with alcohol use problems, and the use of opportunistic screening and referral to treatment for common mental health and addiction issues among adults (SAMHSA, 2011).

• Decision support tools and websites such as www.bpac.org.nz and www.primarymentalhealth.org.nz (registered users only).
• The national depression initiative - www.depression.org.nz.
• Generalised anxiety disorder and panic disorder (with or without agoraphobia) in adults: Management in primary, secondary and community care (NICE).
• Depression in adults: The treatment and management of depression in adults (NICE).
• Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (SAMHSA).
• eChat Electronic Case-finding and Help Assessment Tool (University of Auckland).
• Brief Intervention Guide: Addressing risk and harm related to alcohol, tobacco, other drugs and gambling (Matua Raki).
• Mental Health and Addiction Screening and Assessment Guideline (Matua Raki).
• ABC smoking programme.

• Matua Raki. (2012). Brief Intervention Guide: Addressing risk and harm related to alcohol, tobacco, other drugs and gambling. Wellington: Matua Raki.