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BUPA Seeks Society Advice on Mental Health Referrals

Society representatives recently met with BUPA to assist in their process of identifying appropriately qualified practitioners in the field of mental health and well-being.

BUPA recently revised their procedures so that GP referrals for therapy, including psychology, didn’t require prior referral to a psychiatrist. Consequently there has been an increase in referrals to psychologists.

As their care is based on GP recommendations we cautioned against the funding of interventions/therapies which are not monitored/effective. BUPA is now developing a 'checkpoint' so that after six sessions the progress of care was monitored. The importance of integrated care packages was also highlighted.

Nigel Atter, Policy Advisor to the Professional Practice Board, explained: 'They were keen to learn more about the levels and breadth of training for practitioner psychologists. This was particularly in comparison to counsellors / psychotherapists. We explained that HPC registered psychologists meet HPC threshold standards whereas members who attained Chartered Status (CPsychol) had met the Society's 'Gold Standard' for education and training, and that there was a huge difference in the training between counsellors / psychotherapists and practitioner psychologists.'

'All in all a very positive meeting and BUPA said they would seek the Society's views on a revised recognition process for their providers.'