Psychology and Counselling support to trainee doctors and dentists

The PSU requires provider(s) who can provide trainees with Psychology and Counselling support. They will need to be prepared to deal with cases, varying in complexity, and mindful of the NICE guidelines for Depression and Anxiety and stepped care approach. In the majority of cases a standard support package would suffice (for example 6 hours of one-to-one support). Where necessary providers will be required to highlight to the PSU any "high risk" cases at the earliest possibility. These cases are expected to be very small in number. Where there is a "high risk" individual e.g. someone in need of a psychiatry assessment, providers will need to be confident in seeking consent from the referred trainee to share their assessments with their GP to make appropriate referrals. Where consideration needs to be given to occupational risk it is expected that this would be flagged to the PSU to then carry out an occupational health assessment if they deem necessary. Providers are also required to demonstrate any duty of care protocols beyond the above.