Private Psychiatric Assessment in the UK
A private psychiatric assessment gives you time to discuss your symptoms, mental health history and current concerns with a GMC-registered Consultant Psychiatrist.
The assessment is designed to build a detailed understanding of what you are experiencing, how it affects your daily life and whether a diagnosis, treatment recommendation or further assessment may be appropriate.
This guide explains what happens before, during and after a private psychiatric assessment, what a psychiatrist may assess, whether medication can be discussed and when an online appointment may be suitable.
The Therapy Company provides private psychiatric assessments in Preston and online across the UK.
Looking to arrange an appointment? Read more about our adult private psychiatry, child private psychiatry and online psychiatrist appointments.
What is a private psychiatric assessment?
A private psychiatric assessment is a detailed clinical appointment with a psychiatrist. It explores your current symptoms, mental health history, physical health, personal circumstances and any treatment or medication you have previously received.
The psychiatrist will ask how your symptoms affect areas such as work, education, relationships, sleep and everyday functioning. They may also consider whether any physical health conditions, medication or other factors could be contributing to what you are experiencing.
The assessment may result in a diagnosis, treatment recommendations, medication advice, a written report or a recommendation for further assessment. The outcome will depend on your individual circumstances and the psychiatrist’s clinical findings.
What can a private psychiatrist assess?
A private psychiatrist can assess a wide range of mental health conditions and concerns. The assessment required will depend on your symptoms, age, clinical history and reason for seeking support. Conditions that assessments can diagnose include the following:
- Anxiety disorders
- Depression and low mood
- Bipolar disorder
- Obsessive compulsive disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Psychosis
- Eating disorders
- Personality-related difficulties
- Sleep-related mental health concerns
- ADHD and autism, where a specialist assessment is appropriate
A psychiatric assessment does not always result in an immediate diagnosis. The psychiatrist may need further information, supporting evidence or another appointment before reaching a clinical conclusion.
What happens during a private psychiatric assessment?
A psychiatric assessment involves a highly-qualified and experienced psychiatrist assessing the nature and severity of mental health concern(s). Here are the stages of an assessment and what you can expect:
• Before the appointment – Before the assessment, you may be asked to provide information about your symptoms, medical history, previous diagnoses, medication and any treatment you have received. Relevant reports or information from other healthcare professionals may also be helpful.
• Your current concerns – The psychiatrist will ask what has led you to seek an assessment, when the concerns began and how they affect your daily life. The discussion may cover your mood, sleep, relationships, work, education and ability to manage everyday responsibilities.
• Mental and physical health history – Your psychiatrist may ask about previous mental health difficulties, physical health conditions, family history, medication and any earlier treatment. This helps build a fuller picture of your circumstances and identify factors that may be contributing to your symptoms.
• Clinical assessment – The psychiatrist will assess your symptoms, mental state, level of functioning and any risks that need to be considered. They may also ask questions about memory, concentration, thinking patterns or behaviour where relevant.
• Diagnosis and recommendations – At the end of the assessment, the psychiatrist will explain their clinical opinion and discuss the next steps. This may include a diagnosis, treatment recommendations, medication, psychological therapy, further assessment or follow-up appointments.
Who carries out the assessment?
Private psychiatric assessments at The Therapy Company are carried out by experienced, GMC-registered Consultant Psychiatrists. The psychiatrist involved will depend on the patient’s age, presenting concerns, clinical requirements and appointment availability.
Consultant Psychiatrist MB ChB MRCPsych
Learn more about the experienced clinicians who provide private psychiatric assessments for adults, children and young people.
Will I receive a diagnosis?
A diagnosis may be provided when the psychiatrist has enough clinical information to reach a clear conclusion. In some cases, further information, another appointment or a specialist assessment may be needed before a diagnosis can be confirmed. The psychiatrist should explain their findings clearly, including any uncertainty and the reasons behind their recommendations.
Can medication be discussed?
Medication can be discussed during a private psychiatric assessment. The psychiatrist will consider your symptoms, medical history, current medication, previous treatment and any relevant risks before making a recommendation. Medication will not be suitable or necessary in every case. Where medication is prescribed, the psychiatrist should explain the purpose of the treatment, possible side effects and any monitoring or follow-up required.
Will I receive a written report?
A written report may be provided after the assessment, depending on the type of appointment booked and what has been agreed in advance. The report may include the psychiatrist’s clinical findings, diagnosis where applicable, treatment recommendations and suggested next steps. Ask the team what is included before booking the appointment.
What can I expect after the assessment?
After the assessment, the psychiatrist will explain their clinical findings and recommended next steps.
Depending on the outcome, this may include:
- A diagnosis
- A written report
- medication advice or prescribing where appropriate
- Psychological therapy
- Follow-up with the psychiatrist
- Further assessment
- Communication with your GP, with your consent
The next step will depend on your symptoms, diagnosis, treatment needs and the psychiatrist’s clinical recommendations.
Can a private psychiatric assessment take place online?
Online private psychiatric assessments are available across the UK where a remote appointment is clinically suitable.
The appointment takes place by secure video consultation and follows the same clinical process as a face-to-face assessment. The psychiatrist may recommend an in-person appointment or request additional information where this is needed.
Face-to-face appointments are also available in Preston.
How much does a private psychiatric assessment cost?
The cost of a private psychiatric assessment depends on the type of appointment, the psychiatrist involved and whether a written report or follow-up is included.
Contact The Therapy Company for current fees and confirmation of what is included before booking.
The cost depends on the type of assessment, the psychiatrist involved and whether a written report or follow-up appointment is included. Contact The Therapy Company for current fees and confirmation of what is included before booking.
The length of the appointment depends on the reason for the assessment and the amount of information that needs to be reviewed. The team will confirm the expected appointment length when you enquire.
A GP referral may not always be required for a private psychiatric assessment. The team can confirm what information is needed before the appointment and whether any medical records, previous reports or referral letters would be helpful.
A Consultant Psychiatrist can assess symptoms and provide a diagnosis where there is enough clinical information to reach a clear conclusion. In some cases, further information, another appointment or a specialist assessment may be needed before a diagnosis can be confirmed.
A private psychiatrist can discuss and prescribe medication where it is clinically appropriate. They will consider your symptoms, medical history, current medication, previous treatment and any relevant risks before making a recommendation.
Online psychiatric assessments are available across the UK where a remote appointment is clinically suitable. The psychiatrist may recommend a face-to-face appointment or request further information where this is needed.
A written report may be provided after the assessment, depending on the service booked and what has been agreed in advance. The report may include the psychiatrist’s clinical findings, diagnosis where applicable, treatment recommendations and suggested next steps.
The psychiatrist will explain their clinical findings and discuss the recommended next steps. This may include a diagnosis, medication advice, therapy, further assessment, a written report or a follow-up appointment.
Information discussed during the assessment is treated confidentially and handled in line with professional and legal requirements. There are limited circumstances where information may need to be shared, such as where there is a serious concern about safety or safeguarding.
Yes. Children and young people can be assessed by a Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist. A parent or carer will normally be involved, although the structure of the appointment will depend on the young person’s age and clinical needs.
Appointment times depend on the type of assessment, the psychiatrist required and current availability. Contact The Therapy Company for the latest appointment times and to discuss the most suitable service.
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