FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT HAPPENS AT THE FIRST APPOINTMENT?
For our Children and Young Person Services, the first psychological assessment the appointment will last 90 minutes, and will include time spent with the parents/carers and the child or young person separately. It will be a chance to hear about your concerns and what you would like help with. At the end, there will be a clear treatment plan and recommendations.
Cognitive assessments are a one-off appointment over 2-3 hours where the young person will complete many puzzles and tasks to assess their learning profile.
For our Adult Services, the first assessment will be a chance to get to know you, and together develop and understanding of your difficulties. At the end, there will be a clear treatment plan and recommendations.
HOW MANY SESSIONS WILL I NEED?
Following the assessment appointment, we will develop a planned number of session, which will depend on your child's difficulties and will be in line with National Institute of Clinical Excellence treatment guidelines.
WHERE ARE YOU BASED?
Clinics are held Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire and at Great Ormond Street Hospital (International and Private Wing). Appointments can also be arranged remotely via online video platforms. We are able to offer appointments in schools.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST, PSYCHIATRIST, COUNSELLOR AND THERAPIST?
Looking for support can often feel overwhelming, and with many different types of clinicians it can also feel confusing. The key differences relate to the qualification and training, treatment approaches, and whether they can prescribe medication. A Clinical Psychologist, is a regulated term, requiring clinicians to have completed a doctorate degree (BSc and DClinPsy) and gained experienced working across the life span, with a range of conditions, including neurodevelopmental and learning disorders. Clinical Psychologists are specialised in treating mental health difficulties and are trained in a range of psychological therapies. They can diagnose conditions, however, do not prescribe medication. A Psychiatrist is a regulated term, for a medical doctor (MBBS) with further training in psychiatry, and experience working across the life span, with a range of conditions, often with experience in neurodevelopmental disorders. They do prescribe medication and can train as therapist. Counsellors often complete a diploma in counselling and provide emotional support and talking therapy for a range of emotional difficulties (such as grief). They cannot diagnose or prescribe medication. Therapists can be trained in various specific therapies (such as CBT or psychotherapy) and work with a range of conditions. They do not diagnose or prescribe medication.