PSYCHIATRIC ASSESSMENTS
Psychiatric assessments with a Consultant Psychiatrist
One appointment that looks at the whole picture: what you're experiencing now, your history, your physical health and what has already been tried. You leave with a diagnosis or a clear formulation, and a written plan for what happens next.
A PSYCHIATRIC ASSESSMENT MIGHT BE RIGHT, IF
Something has changed - mood, sleep, anxiety, thinking - and you want a clear explanation rather than a guess
Your GP has taken you as far as primary care can, and a specialist opinion is the next step
You've had a diagnosis before but it no longer fits, or treatment hasn't worked
You want to know whether medication is the right option, and what the alternatives are
If you already know you're seeking an ADHD or autism assessment, start on the adult ADHD or adult autism page instead - those pathways are separate, and may be NHS-funded. For children and young people, our sister clinic JM Mental Health can help.
WHAT WE ASSESS AND TREAT
Anxiety and Depression
Assessed and treated as part of the general service, including where low mood or anxiety has followed a life event, a physical illness or a neurodevelopmental diagnosis.
ADHD in adults
Assessed alongside the conditions it commonly overlaps with - anxiety, depression, bipolar illness. Also available NHS-funded through Right to Choose.
Autism in adults
A two-part assessment with a Clinical Psychologist and a Consultant Psychiatrist. Also available NHS-funded through Right to Choose.
Bipolar affective disorder
Characterised by prolonged mood swings with disturbed sleep and uncharacteristic thoughts or behaviour. Mood-stabilising medication is effective, and treatment includes monitoring and relapse planning.
OCD, trauma, PTSD and phobias
Assessed and treated, usually combining a targeted therapy - ERP for OCD, trauma-focused CBT for PTSD - with medication for moderate to severe presentations.
Personality disorders
Assessment focuses on longstanding patterns in relationships, emotional regulation and self-image, and on distinguishing these from mood, trauma and neurodevelopmental conditions. Treatment is primarily psychological, with medication only for specific symptoms.
Psychosis and schizophrenia
Around 1 in 100 people are affected at some point, sometimes triggered by stress, substance use, infection or injury. We assess, treat and monitor, and arrange more intensive care where it is needed.
YOUR ASSESSMENT, STEP BY STEP
1
Before your appointment
We send you a short history questionnaire and, where relevant, screening measures. Returning them early means the appointment itself is spent talking, not form-filling. Bring or send any previous reports, letters and a list of current medication.
2
Your assessment
A structured conversation with a Consultant Psychiatrist: what you're experiencing now, when it started, your medical and family history, sleep, alcohol and substance use, work and relationships, and any risk. Physical health checks including blood pressure and weight where medication may be considered. You can bring someone with you.
3
Your diagnosis and plan
In most cases your Consultant shares their opinion with you at the end of the appointment and talks through the options - including doing nothing for now. If further investigations, a psychological assessment or an informant account are needed, they'll explain why.
4
Your report, then review
A written report with your diagnosis or formulation and a care plan, shared with you and, with your consent, your GP. Follow-up reviews continue with the same Consultant until things are stable - you are not handed to a different clinician between appointments.
TREATMENT WE CAN OFFER AFTER YOUR ASSESSMENT
Medication
Prescribed and monitored by your Consultant. Prescriptions can be emailed securely to you or your GP.
Psychological therapy
CBT, CAT, psychodynamic therapy, ERP and trauma-focused CBT, where indicated by your assessment.
Deep rTMS
A non-invasive, drug-free treatment for depression and OCD - a specialist option most clinics can't offer.
In-patient care, if needed
Our Clinical Director holds admitting rights at the Priory Hospital in North London and can arrange inpatient care. We liaise with your local services if you're further away.
Shared care with your GP
Where appropriate, ongoing prescribing moves to your GP under a shared care agreement, with us remaining available for review.
PRACTICAL THINGS TO KNOW
In person or online
Face to face in Epping for patients across London, Hertfordshire and Essex, or by secure video anywhere in the UK.
No GP referral needed
You can book a private assessment directly. A referral letter is helpful if you have one, but it isn't required.
What to bring
A list of current medication and doses, any previous reports or discharge letters, and a note of what you most want addressed.
Bringing someone with you
Welcome, and often useful - a partner, parent or friend can fill in detail that's hard to recall about yourself.
How it's paid for
Private self-pay or private medical insurance. General psychiatric assessment is not covered by Right to Choose - only adult ADHD and autism are.
Confidentiality
Your notes stay with us. Nothing goes to your GP or insurer without your consent, except in the rare situations where there is a serious risk to safety.