What to Expect From a Private Psychological Assessment 5.2.6 If you need a psychological assessment of yourself or your ex-partner, or even a child, it is essential that the professional witness you instruct is HCPC registered. You should also check whether they are members of the British Psychological Society. Your barrister or solicitor may be able to recommend a psychologist who they have worked with previously and respected. However, it is always worth checking the HCPC register to see their specialisms and qualifications. Psychiatrists Private psychiatric examinations are not just faster and more convenient than waiting for an appointment with your local mental health service and allow you to select the psychiatrist best suited to your requirements. You can also collaborate with your psychiatrist to develop a treatment plan which could include medication or therapy. In a private appointment, you will see a specialist psychiatrist who will ask questions regarding your medical history, current symptoms, feelings and experiences that could have affected your mental health. During the session your psychiatrist will also conduct tests to test your cognitive abilities. These can include simple tests such as remembering short lists, recognizing shapes or solving problems. These tests are conducted in a comfortable and an environment that is relaxed. Your psychiatrist will answer any questions that you may have. If you have a private medical insurance policy your doctor will discuss whether or not you should undergo any additional medical tests to get a more complete picture of your condition. They will also provide the costs associated with private medical tests that are recommended. You may then wish to have the tests carried out by your GP or request them privately. During the assessment your doctor will pay close attention to any signs of suicidal behavior. If they spot any indication of suicide risk, the psychiatrist will suggest immediate action. This could involve sectioning you under the Mental Health Act. If this isn't an option the psychiatrist will refer you to a healthcare professional who will be able to provide a suitable treatment package. Many people do not know that certain private medical insurance policies cover an evaluation of psychiatric disorders. Those with high-deductible plans are more likely to require this type of examination which is why it is crucial to shop around for the most affordable price. Some companies offer a discounted rate for new patients, while others offer free or discounted psychiatric assessments . Some health plans offer a telehealth feature that allows you video conference with psychiatrists. Counsellors Counselors deal with a wide variety of emotional issues, including mental health and relationship problems. They help clients recognize and manage their problems and come up with practical solutions to address them. They also aid in coping strategies and self-esteem. Certain counsellors are specialized in specific client groups, such as children or the elderly. The majority of counsel psychologists are employed by the NHS. However there are some who offer private services or have their own practices. Some specialize in a specific area of the field, like post-traumatic stress disorder. To become a counselor psychologist, you must have a degree in psychology that typically includes a significant research component, and you will also be required to complete extensive training. Certain courses accept a 2:2 diploma, but others require a higher grade and relevant work experience. After you've completed your training you are eligible to join the HCPC Register. You'll also need to find a supervisor who is coordinating on the BPS Register of Applied Psychological Practice Supervisors, who will supervise your training and offer support as you build your skills and know-how. Psychologists who work as counsellors and clinical psychologists deal regularly with children and adults mental health, assisting with assessments, diagnosis, as well as therapy. They can be involved in Family Justice Court proceedings, in assessing the mental health of parents to determine if they're competent to raise their children. A counsellor is a qualified professional who will listen to your concerns and assist you to better understand the situation. A counsellor isn't involved in your decision-making process and will be more unbiased than a friend. They may also provide suggestions on how to proceed. Make sure to verify if a counsellor is registered with the HCPC. There is a searchable database of psychologists on this site that can be filtered by specialism and clients. You can also verify that they are licensed with a valid GMC license to practice in the UK. Also, make sure that they do not have any complaints or disciplinary history with the BPS. If a psychologist has been referred by a solicitor or barrister it is a good idea to ask them about their experience and the quality of their reports in previous cases. Clinical Psychologists A private psychologist assessment will typically involve one or more face-to-face meetings. It will include psychological tests that are questionnaires designed to determine mental illness or personality disorders. These tests may be used to determine if someone is suffering from a condition like a phobia bipolar disorder or depression. They can also be used to determine a person's intelligence, as certain personality traits can be linked to low IQ. The person conducting the psychological examination must be qualified. It is important to choose someone who has experience conducting medically-legal evaluations and also attending court. This is because if they do not have the necessary experience, their reports might not be taken seriously by the courts. They might not be able to provide clear evidence in court, or they could overlook important information that could affect the outcome. The letters MRCPsych will appear after the name of a professional who is an Royal College of Psychiatrists member. This means that the professional is a medical doctor with specialist training in psychiatry. They can give a complete diagnosis and prescribe medications. Additionally, they can refer the patient to other specialists. A psychiatrist can help a patient who is suffering from mental health issues. In family cases the psychologist will often carry out an assessment of capacity to parent. This will determine whether the person is mentally able to take charge of their children and making their own decisions. The psychologist will need to know the child's needs as well as how they behave. They should also be aware of family dynamics and relationships. It is crucial to ensure that the psychologist has the appropriate knowledge to perform an assessment of the capacity of the parent. This includes being a clinical psychologist or a counselling psychologist. They must have experience working with the family court, and they must be a member of the British Psychological Society. It is possible to find an appropriate psychologist by asking your solicitor or barrister for a recommendation. They will know which psychologists are reputable and have experience in family law. They can also check the HCPC register to determine if the psychologist has ever had complaints against them. Child Psychologists 5.2.6 Psychologists are also asked to conduct psychological assessments of children who are the subject of family court proceedings. These can be used to assist the judge to understand the child's behavior or recommend therapy or support services to that child and/or their parents. They can be expensive - several thousand pounds and may require to be paid for by the Guardian-ad-Litem or parents. It is crucial to choose the right psychologist who is capable of helping you. Your barrister or solicitor may be able to recommend one they have worked with before and respect. If they haven't yet, you can look up the HCPC Register to find out more about their specialisms and their qualifications. In recent times there have been some concerns over the quality of the evidence provided by psychologists. It is therefore worth checking if they have an history of complaints against them. If you're being evaluated by a psychologist then it is essential to provide them all the details they need to conduct an accurate assessment. If you're seeing the child alone, they may need to spend several hours or days with you. They will likely also require access to your general medical records from the GP (with your permission). It is crucial to be calm, relaxed, and respectful throughout the assessment. The psychologist is instructed by social services to investigate every evidence they can to prove that you are not a suitable parent Don't give them a reason to use against you. This is especially important if you're visiting a child psychology specialist since their report might be biased.
psychiatric assessments
