Fit note

[ILoveMyCaravan]

Diagnosed with severe depression and anxiety by a psychologist. I cannot continue working for the foreseeable future.

Do I need to see my GP for a fit note and if so who decides how long it should be for? Or can the psychologist issue me with a long term note?

Long term ones I think have to be issued by a psychiatrist. I'm pretty sure psychologists aren't doctors and can't make an official diagnosis or issue for notes. Your GP can but it depends on what you consider long term. They can't sign you off indefinitely but I couldn't tell you what the maximum is. I'd get your GPs opinion first tbh as they will know the one and outs of the whole process.

My GP can sign me off for 6 months at a time, used to be 3 but its gone up lately. She works in conjunction with my psychiatrist about signing me off.

A GP has the same powers to issue a fit note as a psychiatrist does. Initially that would normally be for a few weeks, subject to review, and then a longer term note issued according to your prognosis. The maximum a fit note can be issued for in the first six months of sickness is three months, and after six months an indefinite note can be issued (though that would be unusual, it would be more usual to issue ones for a subsequent three or six month period).

And no, a psychologist cannot issue a fit note, it needs to be a medical doctor.

Thank you everyone, that's really helpful. I'll contact my GP.