What to Expect From a Private Psychological Assessment 5.2.6 If you need an assessment of your mental health or your ex-partner, or even a child, it is essential that the professional you instruct is HCPC certified. It is also important to confirm that they are members of the British Psychological Society. Your solicitor or barrister may be capable of recommending a psychologist they have worked with and who they respect. It is worthwhile to check the HCPC Register to see their qualifications and specializations. Psychiatrists Private psychiatric examinations are not only more convenient and faster than waiting for an appointment with the local mental health services, but also allow you to choose a psychiatrist who is best suited to meet your needs. You can also collaborate with your doctor on a treatment plan that may include medication or therapy. In a private evaluation, you will meet with a specialist consultant psychiatrist, who will ask you questions about your medical history, symptoms and feelings, and any other events or experiences that could have had a bearing on your mental health. During the appointment your psychiatrist will perform a series tests to test your cognitive functions. These can include simple tests such as remembering short lists, recognising shapes or solving problems. The tests are conducted in a an environment that is relaxed and comfortable and your therapist will take the time to answer any questions you might have. If you have private health insurance, your psychiatrist can discuss with you if you should take additional medical tests to get a better picture of your health. They will also explain the costs associated with any private medical tests that are suggested. You will then have the option of choosing to have the tests performed by your GP, or privately. During the assessment your psychiatrist will be attentive to any indications of suicidal behavior. If they discover any indication of suicide risk, your psychiatrist will advise immediate action, which could involve sectioning you under the Mental Health Act. If this isn't feasible your psychiatrist will refer you to a healthcare professional who can provide an appropriate care package. Many people are unaware that a psychiatric assessment is covered by a variety of private medical insurance plans. It is more likely that people who have high-deductible insurance plans will require this type of test. This is why it's crucial to research the various options to find the most affordable price. Some providers offer a reduced cost for new patients while others offer free or discounted psychiatric assessments . Some health plans have the option of telehealth, which lets you to videoconference with a psychiatrist. Counsellors Counsellors deal with a variety of emotional issues, including mental health and relationships. Counsellors help clients recognize their issues, address them, and come up with practical solutions. They also help with coping strategies and self-esteem. Certain counsellors are specialized in specific clients, such as children or those who are elderly. The majority of psychologists employed in counselling are employed by the NHS, but some also provide private services or run their own practice. Some specialize in a particular area of the field, like post-traumatic stress disorder. To become a counselor psychologist, you will need an undergraduate degree in psychology that usually includes a strong research component as well as be required to complete extensive training. Some courses require a 2:2 degree however others require higher grades and relevant work experience. After you have been certified, you can apply to join the HCPC register. You'll also have to locate a coordinating supervisor on the BPS Register of Applied Psychological Practice Supervisors who will oversee your training and provide support in the development of your abilities and know-how. Clinical and counselling psychologists work regularly with children and adults mental health, assisting with assessments, diagnosis, as well as therapy. They may also be involved in Family Justice Court cases, looking at the mental health of parents to determine whether they are able to parent their children. A counsellor can provide you with a confidential platform to discuss your concerns with someone who is trained in listening and assisting you understand the issue better. A counsellor can be more objective than a friend because they are not invested in the outcome of your decision. They can also offer suggestions on how to proceed. When choosing a counselor, make sure they are registered with the HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council). There is a searchable database of psychologists on this site which can be filtered by specialization and clientele. You can also verify that they are licensed with an active GMC license to practice in the UK. Also, make sure that they don't have any disciplinary or complaints background with the BPS. Ask the Psychologist about their experiences in prior cases and how they rated their findings. Clinical Psychologists A private psychologist test typically involves one or more face-to-face meetings. It may include psychological tests that are questionnaires designed to detect mental disorder or personality disorders. These tests can be used to check whether someone is suffering from a condition like a phobia, depression or bipolar disorder. They can also be used to check the level of intelligence a person has, as certain personality traits can be associated with low IQ. The person who conducts the psychological examination must be certified. It is essential to find a professional with experience of carrying out medico-legal assessments and attending court. If they don't have the experience the reports they submit might not be considered as credible. They might not be able to present a clear and convincing argument in court, or they could miss important information which could impact the outcome. The letters MRCPsych will appear after the name of the professional who is an Royal College of Psychiatrists member. This means they are a registered medical doctor and have received specialist training in the field of psychiatry. They can provide a full diagnosis and prescribe medications. Additionally, they are able to refer the patient to other specialists. If the patient is suffering from a mental health issue psychiatrists can help them overcome it. In family cases the psychologist will usually conduct an assessment of parenting capacity. This will determine if a person is able to think about looking after their children and make the right decisions for them. The psychologist needs to understand the child's needs and the way that they behave. They also have to be able to comprehend family dynamics and relationships. It is essential to ensure that the psychologist has the appropriate skills to perform an assessment of the parent's capabilities. This includes being a clinical psychologist or counseling psychologist. They must have experience working in the family court and they should be a member of the British Psychological Society. You can find a psychologist who is suitable by asking your barrister or solicitor for a referral. They can tell you which psychologists have a great reputation and have experience in family law. They can also look up the HCPC register to determine whether the psychologist has any previous 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. They can be used by the judge to determine the child's behavior or suggest therapy or help for the child or their parents. These can be very expensive - several thousand pounds, and could have to be financed by the Guardian-ad-Litem's parents or Guardians. It is essential to choose the right psychologist who is competent to assist you. Your solicitor or barrister may be able recommend someone they have worked with previously and respect. However, if they have not, then you can find out about their specialisms as well as their experience and qualifications by checking the HCPC Register. There have been some concerns over the quality of evidence from experts in the field in recent times, therefore, it is worthwhile to determine whether they have a history of complaints that have been ruled against them (for more information, refer to Expert Witness Psychology: Advice on Finding the Good Psychologist'). If you're being evaluated by a psychologist then it is essential to provide them all the information they require to make an accurate assessment. This means that they'll need to spend hours or even days with you and your child if they are being seen alone. They will also likely require access to your doctor's general medical records (with your permission). It is vital that you try and keep your cool, relaxed and calm throughout the process of assessment. The psychologist is directed by social services to investigate all the evidence that can show that you are not a suitable parent, so don't provide them with ammunition to use against you. This is especially important if you are seeing a child psychologist as they are more likely to be biased in their assessment.
psychiatric assessments
