Counselling resources

British Medical Association Counselling Service
A confidential counselling service for all doctors, medical students and BMA staff who are under stress through personal, emotional or work related problems. It is staffed by qualified counsellors 24 hours a day 7 days a week. The counsellors are bound by strict codes of confidentiality and ethical practice.
Telephone: 0845 920 0169 (24-hour helpline)
Website: BMA Counselling

BMA Doctors for Doctors Unit
Doctors for Doctors is committed to providing support for doctors in difficulty by helping them make informed decisions about their health, working with them to gain insight, facilitating access to appropriate care and supporting them through this process.
Telephone:  0845 920 0169 (24-hour helpline)
Website: Doctors for Doctors
E-mail: info.d4d@bma.org.uk

Doctors' SupportLine
The Doctors' SupportLine is independent, confidential and anonymous. It is staffed by trained volunteer doctors who offer friendly and informal listening and peer support for both personal and work-related issues. Information about other sources of help is available if needed.
SupportLine contact number: 0844 395 3010
Open Monday, Tuesday 8pm - 11pm; Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 8pm - 10pm; Sunday 4pm - 10pm
Website: DSN

Doctors Support Network
This is a self-help group for doctors with mental health concerns, including stress, burnout, anxiety, depression, bipolar affective disorder, psychoses and eating disorders. All doctors in the group have been troubled at some stage in their lives. There are regular meetings around the UK, a newsletter and an e-mail forum.
Address: Doctors Support Network, PO Box 360, Stevenage SG1 9AS
Tel. 0870 321 0642
Website: DSN
E-mail: secretary@dsn.org.uk

DSN Scotland:
E-mail: Malcolm@dsn.org.uk

Mednet
Deanery funded self-referral service for doctors living or working within the M25 and Kent, Surrey and Sussex. Operates from the Tavistock Clinic and the Maudsley Hospital. Offers 6 assessment sessions, occasionally more, and they offer onward referral to appropriate psychotherapeutic help.
Address: Tavistock Clinic, 120 Belsize Lane, London NW3 5BA
Telephone: 0208 938 2411
Website: Mednet
E-mail: mednet@tavi-port.nhs.uk

The Sick Doctors' Trust
A proactive service for actively addicted doctors which is structured to provide an early intervention programme. The trust facilitates treatment in appropriate centres, arranges funding for inpatient treatment and provides advocacy and representation when required. A charitable trust controlled by a board of trustees and staffed by doctors in recovery.
Telephone: 24-hour helpline 0370 444 5163
Website: Sick Doctors Trust

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