Letter to a GP from a therapist (UK)
Writing to a client's GP is usually simple once you have consent, and fraught when you don't. Here is what the codes and the ICO say, how to word the letter, and a template you can copy.
By the NoteSono team · Last reviewed · 7 sources checked
The short answer
Most letters from a therapist to a GP are written at the client's request and with their explicit consent: to let the GP know they are in therapy, to support a request for an appointment or referral, or to say that therapy has ended. Keep the letter short, factual and limited to what the GP needs.
Sharing without consent is the exception. BACP's guidance says it may be defensible in the public interest where you have a cogent, reasonably held belief of serious harm, and certain laws require disclosure. Discuss it with your supervisor, and record what you shared and why. A free template is below.
When therapists write to GPs
In private practice, a GP letter is almost always optional and client-led. Common reasons:
- The client wants their GP to know they are having therapy.
- The client has physical symptoms. NCPS's Code of Ethics says that where a client is seeking relief of physical symptoms, you should advise them to consult a registered medical practitioner, unless they already have.
- The client wants to discuss medication or a referral, and has asked you to write in support.
- The client was referred to you by their GP. NCPS's code says such a client remains the clinical responsibility of the medical practitioner, that you may need to keep them informed, and that without the client's permission updates should be general rather than specific.
- Therapy has ended and the client wants the GP told, or there is a referral on.
Agree in your contract whether you will contact the GP and when. BACP's GPiA 014 recommends a written contract with explicit consent terms, and UKCP's guidance on complaints says to discuss the limits of confidentiality with clients at the outset of therapy. Our therapy contract template covers both.
Collecting GP details is not consent to contact the GP
Confidentiality, consent and UK GDPR basics
With consent
BACP's Ethical Framework (point 55) commits members to making sure that disclosure of personally identifiable information about clients is authorised by client consent, and to telling clients in advance about any reasonably foreseeable limits to confidentiality. BACP's GPiA 014 advises explicit consent where possible, because implied consent is hard to prove, and describes UK GDPR consent as freely given, specific, informed and unambiguous.
What you write is health data, which is special category data under UK GDPR. The ICO says you need a lawful basis under Article 6 and a separate condition under Article 9. Article 9 conditions include explicit consent and vital interests, and the Data Protection Act 2018 adds conditions including the safeguarding of children and of individuals at risk (Schedule 1, paragraph 18). Say in your privacy notice which you rely on.
Without consent: safeguarding and serious risk
Confidentiality in therapy is strong but not absolute. The bodies say:
| Source | What it says |
|---|---|
| BACP Ethical Framework | Point 55 recognises disclosure may be needed to protect a client or others from serious harm, including safeguarding commitments. |
| BACP GPiA 014 | A breach may be justifiable in the public interest where there is serious danger and your belief is cogent and reasonably held. It notes that psychological distress alone may not justify a breach of confidentiality in English law. Some disclosures are required by statute, such as under the Terrorism Act 2000, and courts can order disclosure. |
| UKCP Code (2019) | Clause 21: tell clients there are legal and ethical limits to confidentiality. Clause 35: safeguard children and vulnerable adults, taking appropriate action if you consider any such person is at risk of harm. |
| NCPS Code of Ethics | Confidentiality applies provided it is not inconsistent with the safety of the therapist, the client, the client's family or the public, or with legal requirements. For minors, it expects you to inform parents, guardians and/or the GP if the client is at risk of harm. |
| ICO data sharing code | In an emergency, go ahead and share data as is necessary and proportionate. Not every urgent situation is an emergency; an example of one is the risk of serious harm to human life. |
In an emergency, phone, do not write
Should you tell the client first?
BACP's GPiA 014 says to generally inform the client, except where doing so would be illegal, would increase risk, or may prejudice an investigation. It advises taking potential breaches to supervision where possible.
Free GP letter template
Copy it into your own document, or download it as a Word file. Pick one option in each choice section and delete the others.
Tone, and what not to include
GPs read many letters in short appointments. A one-page letter that says clearly what you want gets acted on.
- Put the reason for writing and any request in the first few lines.
- Describe, do not diagnose. Report what the client has said, in their words, unless you are qualified to diagnose. If you are not medically trained, do not comment on medication or physical causes.
- Use plain, respectful language. Assume the client will read it, because they may, through a copy or a subject access request.
- Leave out process notes, session content the GP does not need, details of third parties, and anything the client asked you not to include.
- Do not ask the GP to take clinical responsibility for your work, and do not promise outcomes.
Keeping a copy and recording the disclosure
Keep the letter on the client record. For any disclosure, BACP's GPiA 014 suggests noting as soon as possible the date, who received the information, what was shared, how it was sent, whether consent was given and by whom, and, if there was no consent, the reasons for the decision. UKCP's complaints guidance also stresses documenting your decision-making process.
- Send through a secure route: the surgery's own process, or an encrypted link. Avoid ordinary email.
- Offer the client a copy at the time.
- The letter forms part of the client's record and is included if they make a subject access request.
- Keep it for the same period as the rest of the record. See how long to keep therapy notes.
Common questions
Can a therapist contact my GP without my consent?
Usually not. Therapists normally write to a GP only with the client's explicit consent. The exceptions are narrow: a serious risk of harm to the client or others, safeguarding concerns, or a legal requirement. Your therapist should explain these limits at the start of therapy.
Do I have to tell the client before I share without consent?
BACP's guidance is to generally inform the client, unless that would be illegal, would increase risk, or may prejudice an investigation. Discuss it with your supervisor and record your reasons.
Is a GP letter covered by UK GDPR?
Yes. It contains health data, which is special category data, so you need an Article 6 lawful basis and an Article 9 condition, such as explicit consent. Tell clients about this in your privacy notice.
Should I copy the client in?
It is good practice to offer the client a copy. They are entitled to see it through a subject access request in any case.
Can I email a letter to a GP surgery?
Use the surgery's secure route or an encrypted link rather than ordinary email, and check the address before you send.
Sources
Checked on 30 October 2026. Rules and prices change, so check the source before you rely on a figure.
- BACP Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions (2018) — Good Practice point 55
- BACP Good Practice in Action 014: Managing confidentiality — consent, public interest, informing clients, recording disclosures
- UKCP Code of Ethics and Professional Practice (2019) — clauses 20, 21 and 35
- UKCP: Learning from complaints, confidentiality
- NCPS Code of Ethics — Confidentiality; Delivering a Service, items 8 and 9; Working with Minors
- ICO: Special category data — Article 9 conditions and Schedule 1 paragraph 18
- ICO data sharing code: Data sharing in an urgent situation or in an emergency
This guide is general information, not legal or clinical advice. It reflects the guidance as we read it on the date above. If you are considering sharing without consent, talk to your supervisor first, and take legal advice where you need it.