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Abstract
Research-based clinical practice guidelines are one of a range of methods to improve the quality and effectiveness of psychotherapies delivered within mental health care services. This article reviews the concept of evidence-based practice in the psychological therapies, describes the process of guideline development and suggests the best way to use guidelines. Examples of guidelines in the mental health field are presented and the development process for the national guideline on treatment choice in psychological therapies and counselling is summarised. Professional and scientific misgivings with guideline development are discussed and the case against developing them addressed.