Primary Care Psychologists in the Netherlands: 30 Years of Experience

The primary care psychologist (PCP) in the Netherlands has 30 years of experience. The PCP is a generalist who, in close cooperation with the family physician and other providers of primary health care, has a mindset and manner of working that is largely determined by the context in which the PCP works. The specific attitudes and role of the PCP are described. The PCP provides services for a clearly delimited geographic region and is responsible for the provision of brief psychological help from a biopsychosocial perspective. In addition to psychological assessment and the provision of stepped care, the PCP also devotes considerable attention to prevention and health promotion. An orientation toward the community and the empowerment of clients stands central. The various tasks of the PCP are described in detail, and an educational curriculum for the specific 1-year training of the PCP is outlined. Lessons for other European countries and the United States are deduced from the Dutch experience.