GP and referrer letter templates for counsellors (free)

Introduce your practice, and confirm attendance with consent: two short letters that cover most of what surgeries need.

Two letters cover most of what a private counsellor needs with GP surgeries: introducing yourself so the practice knows you exist, and confirming attendance when a client asks you to. Both are short by design. GP practices read hundreds of letters a week; half a page that says exactly what it is gets read.

One firm rule sits under the second letter: it confirms attendance and nothing else. Opinions on diagnosis, causation or prognosis belong to appropriately instructed experts, not to a treating counsellor's letter, and a simple confirmation protects you and serves the client.

1. Introducing your practice to a local surgery

[Your letterhead]

Dear Practice Manager,

I am writing to introduce my counselling practice, [practice name], based at [address / online], in case it is useful to your clinical team when patients ask about private counselling options locally.

I am a [registered member of BACP / NCPS / as applicable] (registration [number]) and hold professional indemnity insurance. I offer [short-term and open-ended / as applicable] counselling for adults, [in person and online], with appointments usually available within [timeframe]. Sessions are [fee], and I keep a small number of reduced-fee places.

I have enclosed [a few cards / a one-page summary] for your waiting area, if helpful. I would be glad to answer any questions, and patients can find more at [website].

Yours faithfully,

[Name, credentials, contact details]

2. Confirming a client's attendance (with the client's written consent)

[Your letterhead]

[Date]

Dear [Dr name / To whom it may concern],

Re: [Client name], [date of birth], [address]

I am writing at [client name]'s request and with their written consent.

I can confirm that [client name] [has been attending / attended] counselling sessions with me [weekly / fortnightly] since [start date], and [continues to attend / completed our work on end date], attending [number] sessions in total.

This letter confirms attendance only. If any further information is required, please contact me and I will discuss the request with [client name] before responding.

Yours sincerely,

[Name]

[Credentials, registration number]

[Contact details]

Before you send either

For letter 2, take written consent that names the recipient and what may be shared, keep a copy of the letter in the client's record, and share nothing beyond attendance without a fresh conversation and fresh consent. If a request comes from a solicitor, insurer or court rather than the client, slow down: that is a different situation with its own rules, and our keeping notes guide covers where to start.

This is a template to adapt, not legal advice. Please have important wording reviewed by a suitably qualified person before you rely on it.