Members encouraged to feedback on new chemsex document
The BPS wants to hear from members with the necessary expertise and experience to feedback on the new document - Developing chemsex intervention services: guidance for psychological care provision.
08 November 2022
The briefing document outlines the potential roles and responsibilities that practitioner psychologists could play in the establishment, delivery, and evaluation of services for men who engage in chemsex.
It provides an overview of the relevant chemsex literature and how psychologists can meet the varying needs of this population, both directly and indirectly. The paper is also based on interviews with people with lived experience of chemsex and service providers.
Dr Sarah Rutter, lead author of the draft document, said:
We really believe this is an important area for psychologists to have a voice in and to ensure their expertise is fed into the development of chemsex intervention services.
Chemsex is a complex topic, with a number of psychological drivers and consequences, which requires an interdisciplinary approach across a range of interfaces, including clinical, community and online services.
Through training in the systematic application of psychological theory, knowledge, and research, practitioner psychologists are well placed to work alongside our colleagues in such services, to understand how best to support those who engage in problematic chemsex, to alleviate distress and promote wellbeing.
We want to ensure this document represents the views and expertise of the membership and we encourage those members with the relevant knowledge and experience to provide their feedback as part of the consultation."