FAQs
Frequently Asked question
Below are a selection of our most frequently asked questions. We hope that you get your questions answered below, but if not, please do reach out to us and we’ll be more than happy to help. Alternatively, if you’re ready to book your initial consultation with our team, please call us on 01772 440321.
How do I know if therapy helps?How do I know if therapy helps?
Therapy can help by giving you a safe, confidential space to understand what you are going through and work towards healthier ways of coping. Many people find therapy helpful when they want support with emotions, behaviours, relationships, stress, anxiety, low mood, trauma, or difficult life events.
Do I need to be in crisis to start therapy?
No, you do not need to be in crisis to start therapy. Many people begin therapy because they want support, clarity, or help managing ongoing difficulties before things feel overwhelming.
What makes The Therapy Company different?
The Therapy Company offers a wide range of mental health services in one place, including psychiatry, therapy, ADHD assessments, ASD assessments, counselling, CBT, EMDR, and medico-legal reports. The service is designed to provide professional support in a confidential, flexible, and accessible way, with both in-person and online appointments available.
What are your main services?
The Therapy Company’s main services include adult and child psychiatry, adult and child ADHD assessments, ASD assessments, counselling, CBT, EMDR, home detox support, medico-legal reports, and other therapy services such as child therapy, family intervention, couples counselling, and psychosexual therapy.
Do you provide in-person sessions?
Yes, The Therapy Company provides in-person appointments from its Preston location for a range of services, depending on the support required.
Do you provide online sessions?
Yes, The Therapy Company offers highly secure online appointments for a range of services, giving people the flexibility to access support remotely where appropriate.
Do you offer child and adult psychiatry?
Yes, The Therapy Company offers both child and adult psychiatry. These services are designed to support assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, and ongoing mental health care where appropriate.
Where can I meet your team?
You can find information about The Therapy Company’s clinicians and therapists on the Meet the Team page, where you can learn more about the professionals involved in delivering the service.
Are you a private company?
Yes, The Therapy Company is a private mental health service offering assessments, psychiatry, therapy, and related support outside NHS waiting lists.
How do I make an appointment?
You can make an appointment by contacting The Therapy Company directly by phone or through the website. The team can guide you on the most suitable service and explain the next steps based on the type of support you need.
Which professional is right for me?
The most suitable professional will depend on the type of support you are looking for. For example, a psychiatrist may be appropriate if you need diagnostic assessment or medication advice, while a therapist or counsellor may be more suitable for talking therapy and emotional support. The team can help guide you towards the most appropriate service.
Why choose The Therapy Company?
People may choose The Therapy Company because it offers a broad range of mental health services, experienced clinicians, confidential support, and flexible access through both in-person and online appointments. The service aims to make professional mental health support more accessible and tailored to individual needs.
How long is an appointment?
Appointment length can vary depending on the type of service, assessment, or therapy being provided. If you contact The Therapy Company directly, the team can confirm the expected appointment length for the service you need.
Why do I need a GP referral?
A GP referral is required for certain services, including Consultant Psychiatrist appointments and ADHD assessments. This helps support safe clinical oversight, prescribing pathways, and communication with NHS services where appropriate.
How often do I need to be seen by the psychiatrist?
The frequency of psychiatry appointments depends on your needs, the type of assessment or treatment involved, and whether medication is being prescribed. Some people may need follow-up appointments more regularly at the start of treatment, especially during medication titration.
What is a shared care agreement?
A Shared Care Agreement is an arrangement where, after medication has been stabilised, a GP may take over prescribing under an agreed treatment plan supported by the specialist service. This is commonly discussed following private psychiatric assessment and treatment.
What if my GP does not accept a shared care agreement?
If your GP does not agree to a Shared Care Agreement, they may not take over prescribing. In that situation, ongoing prescribing and review may need to remain with the private service. Patients are advised to discuss shared care with their GP before starting treatment.
How long is an initial appointment?
The length of an initial appointment can vary depending on the service and the complexity of the issues being explored. The Therapy Company can confirm the expected duration when you enquire about a specific appointment type.
Is the diagnosis recognised by the NHS?
A private diagnosis may be recognised by NHS professionals, but this can depend on the service involved, the clinical information provided, and local NHS processes. Where relevant, The Therapy Company can provide documentation from the assessment, but decisions about NHS recognition or follow-on care remain with NHS services and individual GPs.
Do I need a referral for therapy?
No, a GP referral is not usually required for therapy. People looking to book therapy can usually contact The Therapy Company directly to discuss the type of support they are looking for and arrange an appointment.
Why will you not see anyone who is an immediate suicide risk?
If someone is at immediate risk, they need urgent crisis support from emergency or NHS crisis services that are equipped to respond straight away. A private outpatient service is not a substitute for emergency mental health care, so urgent safety concerns should always be directed to the appropriate crisis or emergency pathway.
What Our Clients Say
I would like to thank the secretaries Sheila and Chris for providing a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Also, in my opinion, Dr PT Saleem is the best psychiatrist. I have ever had the pleasure to meet.
- Mariama Camara
I have suffered with PTSD flashbacks anxiety and panic attacks since a horrific road traffic accident 3 yrs ago. My life is now on the up thanks to Debbie’s help guidance and EMDR. I can’t thank this place enough for her care compassion and understanding
- Claire Lawrence-Gray
I would like to take this opportunity to say a big thank you to everyone at the therapy co. For the past couple of months I’ve been looked after by Kate. She has been professional, welcoming, calming and extremely helpful. I feel I’ve come a long way in a short time. Also the receptionist have been very helpful and I would high recommended this practice to anyone
- Tony Currie
I am very happy and thankful for Dr Ahmed for seeing my daughter and making her feel so comfortable when talking about difficulties she is experiencing. He was really professional and knowledgeable about childhood neurological disorders and he was personally very likeable. I would definitely recommend seeing Dr Ahmed and I will go back in the future if we need to!
- Donna Cosgrove
I have had only positive experiences with The Therapy Company. The staff are exceptional at what they do, incredibly caring and personable with a wealth of knowledge and skills to help individuals dealing with emotional/mental difficulties or difficult times. They respond quickly, and ensure you are seen to as soon as possible. I regularly recommend them to people seeking support and would contact them in the first instance should I ever need support in the future.
- Emma Clancy
Excellent therapist and therapy sessions. I found the flexible times for appointments and via phone or video very helpful. Was able to work through what I needed in a reasonable time with a caring therapist. Thank you!
- Kristina Babbitt
Nicole gave me the confidence to get back on the motorway and enjoy driving again.
- Lillie-mae Martin
The Therapy Company are an efficient, client centred company who have been so helpful to our family in terms of therapy provision. The staff are friendly and approachable and they offer a range of services in a very timely manner.
- Helen Evans
My son met with Dr Ram, and I couldn’t be more grateful for her down to earth approach. She was incredibly empathetic and caring. At our initial meeting she put my son at ease immediately and really took the stress out of a very stressful situation. Her warm approach and great sense of humour makes a significant difference in our experience. I would highly recommend her to anyone seeking compassionate and knowledgeable psychiatric care.
- Patient mother
Wonderful and caring!
- Avril Willis