Psychiatric Assessment

Specialist Support for Emotional, Behavioural and Mental Health Concerns

Psychiatric assessments are led by independent Consultant Psychiatrists with extensive NHS/private sector experience. They support young people with a range of mental health difficulties: whether emerging, ongoing, or complex in nature.

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Who It’s For

The general psychiatric assessment is ideal for children, adolescents and young adults experiencing emotional, behavioural, or developmental difficulties, particularly when:-

The nature of the problem is unclear
There are multiple overlapping concerns (e.g., anxiety, low mood, attention issues)
Families feel unsure where to start, or what kind of support is needed.
Further specialist assessments (e.g. ASD, ADHD, trauma, learning needs) might be appropriate but are not yet confirmed.

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What Clinicians Assess

Mood and anxiety difficulties
OCD, trauma, and stress-related presentations
Eating and body-related concerns
Tic disorders and habit-related difficulties
Neurodevelopmental features (including Autism and ADHD)
Emotional, behavioural, and relational difficulties
Stress, burnout, and adjustment to life changes
Risk and safety considerations, where relevant

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What the assessment may include

Your clinician will determine the structure of your assessment, which may include:

Comprehensive psychiatric interview
Review of medical and developmental history
Mental state examination and physical health assessment.
Diagnosis and treatment planning, including medication where appropriate
Liaison with other professionals (e.g. GP, therapist, school)

The exact approach will depend on your clinician’s professional judgement.

What Does the Assessment Involve?

1-2 hours video consultation with parents/carers to explore background, concerns, and developmental history
1 hour in-person session with the young person to assess emotional well-being, behaviour, and mental state
Review of educational and clinical reports, where available
A summary of findings and recommendations for next steps, including whether further diagnostic testing is advised
If a formal, specialist diagnostic assessment is required (e.g. for autism, ADHD), this can be arranged. The cost of the general psychiatric assessment will be partially offset against the full diagnostic package, should it be recommended.

Each assessment is delivered by an independent clinician who is responsible for clinical decisions, diagnosis, and treatment .