Frequently Asked Questions
Please take a look at the frequently asked questions! If your question isn't answered here, do contact me.
What is the purpose of the free initial screening?
We ask you to complete free screening questionnaires prior to arranging the initial assessment to check that there is sufficient evidence to proceed. We know that many standardised questionnaires do not fit the experiences of those identifying as women, so we can also offer an additional questionnaire on camouflaging and ask for additional information from you that is not just a circled response on a questionnaire.
What are NICE guidelines and do you work by these?
National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) provide guidance for clinicians in terms of how to assess the different difficulties experienced by individuals.
The assessment process involves a two to two and a half hour clinical interview, including neurodevelopmental history, with a Clinical Psychologist, completion of self-assessment forms and in most cases the completion of rating forms by another person that knows the person who is being assessed.
Behaviour, measures, self report, history and corroborative evidence are evaluated against the symptoms of ADHD that are set out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (Fifth Edition). The expert psychologist uses gold standard tools such as the Diagnostic Interview for ADHD in Adults (DIVA), and the Connors Adult ADHD Rating Scale. At the end of the process, a detailed report is produced.
A comprehensive adult ASD assessment will include:
A clinical interview
This will involve being asked questions about your developmental history when you were a child and how you perceive your current presentation. You will also be asked to complete ASD screening questionnaires.
ADOS assessment
This is a specialist 'gold standard' diagnostic assessment carried out individually with you to consider your presentation against the criteria for an ASD diagnosis.
Multi-disciplinary clinical discussion
Once all the information has been gathered relevant to your ASD assessment, I will evaluate the information with a consulting clinician who also specialises in this area, or we frequently offer in person joint assessments to consider if a final ASD diagnosis is appropriate.
Comprehensive report and feedback
A full detailed report will then be written summarising the information gathered and the diagnostic outcome of the assessment. This will also include recommendations and helpful sources. This report will be discussed with you in a feedback session.
How often will I see you?
We can often assess and diagnose within one session. Occasionally, at your preference or because we need more time or more information, we will offer as separate feedback session. We charge a flat fee so that if the situation is more complex, you are not penalised.
Is everything I say confidential?
Confidentiality is a key aspect of the therapeutic relationship. Everything discussed in the sessions is kept in the strictest confidence. Due to our duty of care, the only event for which may break confidentiality is where we are concerned that you are at risk to yourself or to others or from others. In this case, we will speak to you before we take any further action and only in cases of an imminent threat might we make this decision without consulting you first.
Who should I speak to in case of an emergency?
In the event of an emergency where you are at risk to yourself or others or from others, call 999 or go to your local Accident and Emergency Department. If it is not an emergency, you are welcome to give me a call or send me a message on the contact form and I will get back to you as soon as I can.
Why do Therapists' Fees Vary?
We are often asked what the difference is between Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Psychotherapists and Counsellors and why Counsellors or Psychotherapists tend to charge less for their services.
Psychiatrists are physicians who have specialised in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders. They are able to prescribe medication and will be able to advise on which combination of therapy and/or medication is most appropriate. They may also have trained to be able to offer therapy.
Clinical Psychologists’ training is broad-based within the NHS and lasts a minimum of six years, leading to a doctoral level qualification that enables them to assess, diagnose and (like Psychiatrists) advise on the most appropriate treatment combinations. They are trained to provide therapy for a wide range of mental health disorders and then often undertake specialist training.
Counsellors and Psychotherapists are trained to deliver therapy and their training may vary from a few months to several years. They are usually fully trained in only one approach which means that they may be less able to offer the most effective or suitable form of therapy to help in every case.
Prescriptions
Please note: this is a diagnosis service, not a prescription service. However, I can provide you with links to prescribers who do not require a reassessment -- though this is at an additional cost.