PHP at doctor's

Try looking here

https://www.nhshealthatwork.co.uk/php.asp

Hi @user31, i think it is probably a Psychological Healthcare Practitioner (in my area it's a PWP - Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner).

I was asked by my GP if I wanted counselling and it was to IAPT which is 'Improved Access to Psychological Therapies', or 'Talking Therapies'.

And no, it is not compulsory it is completely your decision whether to accept a referral or not. You can also usually do a self-referral.

The timescales for appointments will differ but to give you an idea, I self-referred in September last year, assessment was in December and my first 'proper' appointment was in March. I didn't accept what they offered as it was CBT which I wasn't agreeable to.

I found a psychotherapist myself after looking on the BACP website (British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists). Some offer concessionary rates, mine is 60.00 an hour but charges me 30.00.

It might be worth you considering being listed for an appointment as it should give you time to see how you get on with the antidepressants and for you to think about whether 'Talking Therapies' might work for you, or not. But you don't have to.

If you Google NHS Talking Therapies there's a fair bit of information which might help you decide if you want to go down that route or not.

Wishing you all the very best and take care. Any questions please ask.