Practitioner Health Programme
The NHS Practitioner Health Programme (PHP) is a free, confidential service for doctors and dentists who have mental or physical health concerns and/or addiction problems, in particular where this may be affecting work. Any medical or dental practitioner can use the service, where they have
- A mental health or addiction concern (at any level of severity) and/or
- A physical health concern (where that concern may impact on the practitioner’s performance).

The service is led by a primary care team of general practitioners and a nurse with specialist mental health and addiction expertise and considerable experience of treating doctors and other health professionals. The extended team also includes psychiatrists, cognitive behavioural therapist, occupational health expertise and other specialist support. PHP also has access to specialist inpatient, outpatient and rehabilitation treatment through a range of preferred providers.

The service offers:
- Expert and specialist assessment with treatment for mental health and addiction cases
- Advice and support on managing health concerns, including mental health and addiction problems, as well as physical health where it may affect a practitioner's ability to work
- Signposting to peer support and other help
- Onward referral to specialists where required
- Liaison with local health services and back to work support
- General advice to practitioners' colleagues and families, Trusts and PCTs.