RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Integrating self-help materials into mental health practice JF Canadian Family Physician JO Can Fam Physician FD The College of Family Physicians of Canada SP 1413 OP 1417 VO 54 IS 10 A1 Elizabeth Church A1 Peter Cornish A1 Terrence Callanan A1 Cheri Bethune YR 2008 UL http://www.cfp.ca/content/54/10/1413.abstract AB PROBLEM ADDRESSED Patients’ mental health issues have become an increasing focus of Canadian family physicians’ practices. A self-help approach can help meet this demand, but there are few guidelines for professionals about how to use mental health self-help resources effectively. OBJECTIVE OF PROGRAM To aid health professionals in integrating self-help materials into their mental health practices. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION A resource library of print, audiotape, and videotape self-help materials about common mental health issues was developed for a rural community. The materials were prescreened in order to ensure high quality, and health professionals were given training on how to integrate self-help into their practices. The library was actively used by both health professionals and community members, and most resources were borrowed, particularly the nonprint materials. Health professionals viewed the resources as a way to supplement their mental health practice and reduce demands on their time, as patients generally worked through the resources independently. Some improvements are planned for future implementations of the program, such as providing health professionals with a “prescription pad” of resources and implementing Stages of Change and stepped-care models to maximize the program’s effectiveness. CONCLUSION Although more evidence is needed regarding the effectiveness of self-help within a family practice context, this program offers a promising way for family physicians to address mild to moderate mental health problems.