What to Expect From a Private Psychological Assessment

5.2.6

It is crucial that the expert witness who you hire is HCPC-registered if you need a psychological evaluation of yourself, an ex-partner or a minor. It is also recommended to make sure they are members of the British Psychological Society.

Your solicitor or barrister may be able to recommend a psychologist that they have worked with before and respected. It is worth checking the HCPC Register to see their qualifications and specializations.

Psychiatrists

Private psychiatric assessments are not just more convenient and faster than waiting to see your local mental health service they also allow you to select the psychiatrist who is best suited to meet your requirements. You can also work with your psychiatrist on an individual treatment plan that could include therapy or medication.

In a private assessment you will be able to meet with a specialist consultant psychiatrist who will ask questions about your medical history, symptoms and emotions, as well as any experiences or events that may have had a bearing on your mental health. During the meeting, your psychiatrist will also administer a series tests to assess cognitive functions. These tests can be simple ones, like recognising shapes, retaining short lists or solving problems. These tests are conducted in a comfortable and a relaxed environment. Your psychiatrist will be able to answer any questions that you may have.

If you have private medical insurance your doctor will discuss whether or not you need to undergo additional medical tests in order to get a more complete picture of your condition. They will also outline the costs associated with any medical tests for which private insurance are recommended. You will then be able to decide if you want to have the tests done by your GP, or privately.

During the examination your psychiatrist will be attentive to any indications of suicidal behavior. If the psychiatrist detects evidence of a suicide risk, they will recommend immediate action. This could include a sectioning you under Mental Health Act. If this isn't possible the psychiatrist will refer you on to a healthcare professional who can offer a suitable care package.

Many people don't know that some private medical insurance policies will cover a psychiatric patient assessment evaluation. It is more likely that people who have high-deductible insurance plans will need this type assessment. This is why it is important to research the various options to find the best deal. Some companies offer a discounted cost for new patients, while others offer free or discounted psychiatric assessments. Additionally, some health plans offer an option for telehealth that allows you to connect with a psychiatrist through a video conference.

Counsellors

Counselors address a broad range of emotional issues including relationship and mental health issues. Counsellors help clients identify their problems, manage them, and discover practical solutions. They also help with self-esteem and coping strategies. Some counsellors focus on certain clients, like children or the elderly. The majority of psychologists who counsel are employed by the NHS. However they also offer private therapy or have their own practice. Some specialize in a particular area of the field, such as post-traumatic stress disorder.

To become a counselling psychologist you must have a psychology degree that usually includes a strong research component, and you will also require extensive training. Certain courses will accept a 2:2 degree, but others require a higher grade and relevant work experience. Once you've been approved, you're able to apply to be a member of the HCPC register. You must also find a coordinating Supervisor on the BPS Register of Applied Psychological Practice Supervisors who will be able to supervise and help you as you develop your abilities.

Clinical and counselling psychologists work regularly with children and adults mental health, performing assessments, diagnosis, and therapy. They may be involved in Family Justice Court proceedings, assessing parents' mental health to determine if they are competent to raise their children.

A counsellor can provide you with an opportunity to talk about your concerns with someone who has been trained in listening and helping you understand the situation better. A counsellor psychiatric assessments can be more objective than a friend as they aren't involved in the outcome of your decisions. They may also provide suggestions for how to proceed.

When selecting a counsellor ensure that they are registered with the HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council). There is a searchable listing of psychologists on this site that can be filtered according to specialism and clientele. You can also verify that they have a valid GMC license to practice in the UK. It is also worth checking that they do not have a disciplinary or complaints background with the BPS (British Psychological Society). If a Psychologist is referred by a barrister or solicitor, it is a good idea to inquire about their experience and the quality of their reports in past cases.

Clinical Psychologists

A private psychologist assessment will usually involve one or more face-toface sessions. It will include psychological tests, which are questionnaires designed to determine mental illness or personality disorders. These tests may be used to check whether a person has a condition like a phobia, depression or bipolar disorder. They can also be used to assess a person's intelligence, as certain personality traits are associated with low IQ.

The person conducting the psychological assessment should be qualified. It is essential to select someone who has experience conducting medically-legal evaluations and psychiatric assessments also attending court. If they don't have this experience and their reports aren't credible, they might not be considered as credible. They may not be able to give clear evidence in court, or miss important information which could affect the outcome.

A professional who is an active member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists will have the letters MRCPsych after their name. This means they are registered medical doctors and have specialist training in the field of psychiatry. They are able to provide a complete diagnosis and prescribe medication. They may also refer the patient to a different specialist. If the patient is suffering from a mental illness, a psychiatrist can help to overcome it.

In family situations the psychologist will often perform a capacity to parenting assessment. This will determine if the parent is mentally able to take care of their children and making decisions on their behalf. The psychologist will need to be aware of the child's needs and the way they behave. They should also be aware of family dynamics and relationships.

It is also important to make sure that the psychologist has the skills to conduct a capacity to parent assessment. This includes being a clinical psychologist or a counselor psychologist. They must have experience working with the family court, and must be a member of the British Psychological Society. You can locate a suitable psychologist by asking your solicitor or barrister for a referral. They will be able to tell which psychologists are highly regarded and have previous experience in family law. They can also check the HCPC register to determine if the psychologist has had any prior complaints against them.

Child Psychologists

5.2.6 Psychologists may also be required to conduct psychological assessments on children involved in family court proceedings. These assessments can be used to assist the judge to understand a child's behaviour or to recommend therapy or support services for that child and/or their parents. They can be costly up to several thousand pounds - and could be incurred by the parents or Guardian ad-Litem.

It is crucial to choose a suitable psychologist. Your barrister or solicitor may be able recommend someone they have worked with previously and respect. However, if they have not then you can find out more about their specialisms as well as their experience and qualifications by examining the HCPC Register. There are some concerns about the quality of the evidence provided by experts in recent years - therefore it is important to check whether they have a history of complaints that have been ruled against them (for more see "Expert Witness Psychology: Advice on Finding the Good Psychotherapist').

If you're being evaluated by a psychologist, it is essential to provide them all the details they need to conduct an accurate assessment. If you're seeing the child alone they might require a few hours or days with you. They will probably also need to have access to your medical records from your GP (with your consent).

It is vital to remain your cool, relaxed and calm during the assessment. Social services have instructed the psychologist to discover anything that could indicate that you are not an appropriate parent. Don't give him ammunition to use against yourself. This is particularly important when you're seeing the child psychologist because they could be more likely to be biased in their assessment in psychiatry.