Guidance for Psychologists on Supporting Clients with Physical Health Needs through DWP Benefits Processes
There has been a call from psychologists to receive more clarity from professional bodies in relation to their role in the context of the benefits system, and to receive support in how to practise effectively in this context. We provide a clear rationale for professionals to do this work, which may help colleagues make this case to their employers.
The ACP-UK Clinical Health Psychology Network has drawn together existing guidance on how professionals can support people to navigate the benefits system, and consulted directly with experts in the field, as well as using our own expertise on the impact of a range of medical conditions. We have produced lists of questions to consider, in general and in relation to specific medical conditions.
We hope that this document can contribute towards this much-needed support. It has been produced with psychologists working in clinical health settings in mind, but we hope that the information that we have drawn together will be useful to practitioners across disciplines and beyond physical health settings.
