FAQs
Frequently Asked questions
Below are answers to common questions about The Therapy Company’s mental health services, appointments and assessment pathways. If you cannot find the information you need, contact our team on 01772 440321 and we can explain the available services and next steps.
How do I know if therapy could help?
Therapy may be helpful if you would like support with emotions, behaviours, relationships, stress, anxiety, low mood, trauma or difficult life events. The type of therapy and number of sessions will depend on your needs, goals and the therapeutic approach.
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 provides a range of mental health services including psychiatry, therapy, ADHD and autism assessments, counselling, CBT, EMDR and medico-legal reporting. Face-to-face appointments are available from our Preston base, with selected services also available online across the UK where appropriate.
What are your main services?
The Therapy Company’s main services include adult and child psychiatry, adult and child ADHD assessments, autism 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 online appointments for selected services where clinically appropriate, allowing people across the UK to access support remotely.
Do you offer child and adult psychiatry?
Yes. The Therapy Company provides Consultant Psychiatrist appointments for adults, children and young people. Psychiatry can involve specialist assessment, diagnosis where appropriate, treatment planning and ongoing review depending on individual needs.
Where can I find information about your clinicians?
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 an independent mental health provider offering assessment, psychiatry, therapy and related support through a private route, separate from NHS services.
How do I make an appointment?
You can contact The Therapy Company by telephone or through the website. The team can explain the available services, appointment pathways and what information may be required before an appointment is arranged.
Which professional is right for me?
The type of professional involved will depend on the support required. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can assess mental health conditions and discuss medical treatment, while counsellors and therapists provide different forms of talking therapy. If you are unsure where to start, the team can explain the differences between services and how each appointment pathway works.
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?
Referral requirements vary by service and appointment pathway. Some Consultant Psychiatrist appointments may require information or a referral from your GP before they can be arranged. Contact the team and they will explain what is required for the service you are enquiring about.
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. Where medication is prescribed, follow-up arrangements will depend on the treatment plan and clinical circumstances.
What is a shared care agreement?
A shared care agreement is an arrangement that may allow a GP to take over some prescribing after treatment has been stabilised by a specialist. Shared care is not automatic and depends on the GP accepting the arrangement and any relevant local prescribing policies.
What if my GP does not accept a shared care agreement?
A GP is not required to accept a shared care agreement. If shared care is declined, prescribing and review arrangements will need to be discussed with the specialist service. It is worth discussing shared care with your GP before relying on this as part of a longer-term treatment pathway.
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.
What should I do if I need urgent mental health support?
The Therapy Company provides outpatient mental health services and is not an emergency or crisis service. If there is an immediate risk to your safety or someone else’s safety, urgent support should be sought through the appropriate NHS or emergency service rather than waiting for a routine appointment.