What to Expect From a Private Psychological Assessment 5.2.6 It is essential that the expert witness you hire is HCPC-registered if you require a psychological examination of yourself, an ex-partner or minors. It is also advisable to ensure they are members of the British Psychological Society. Your solicitor or barrister might be able recommend a Psychologist whom they have worked with before and respect. However, it is always worth checking the HCPC list to see their specialties and credentials. Psychiatrists Private psychiatric assessments are not only faster and more convenient than making an appointment with your local mental health service and allow you to select the psychiatrist best suited to your needs. You can also work with your psychiatrist to develop an individual treatment plan that could include therapy or medication. During a private assessment you will meet a specialist psychiatrist who will inquire about your medical background and current symptoms, emotions and experiences that could have affected your mental health. During the meeting, your psychiatrist will also perform a series tests to assess cognitive abilities. These tests can be simple such as recollecting short lists, recognising shapes or solving problems. The tests are conducted in a an environment that is relaxed and comfortable, and your psychiatrist will take the time to answer any questions you might have. If you are covered by private health insurance your doctor can discuss with you if you should undergo additional medical tests in order to gain a better understanding of your health. They will also discuss the costs associated with any medical tests for which private insurance are suggested. You can then get the tests done by your GP or arrange for them privately. During the assessment, your psychiatrist will also pay close attention to any signs of suicidal behaviour. If they find any evidence of suicide risk, the psychiatrist will recommend immediate action. This could require sectioning you in accordance with the Mental Health Act. If this isn't feasible your psychiatrist will refer you to a different healthcare professional who can provide the appropriate care package. Many people don't know that some private medical insurance policies cover a psychiatric evaluation. Patients with high-deductible plans are more likely to require this type of assessment and that's why it's important to compare prices to find the best deal. Some providers offer discounted rates for new patients. Other providers offer free or reduced psychiatric evaluation. Certain health plans provide a telehealth feature that allows you to videoconference with a psychiatrist. Counsellors Counselors deal with a wide range of emotional issues including relationship and mental health issues. They help clients identify and manage their problems and devise practical ways to deal with them. They can also help with self-esteem and strategies for dealing with stress. Some counsellors work with particular clients, like children or older people. The majority of counselling psychologists work for 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 counselor psychologist, you will need an undergraduate degree in psychology, which normally has a strong research element and you'll require intensive training. Some courses accept a 2:2 diploma however, others require a higher level and relevant work experience. Once qualified, you can apply to join the HCPC register. You will also need to locate a coordinating supervisor on the BPS Register of Applied Psychological Practice Supervisors who will supervise your training and provide support as you build your skills and understanding. Psychologists working in the field of counselling and clinical work regularly with children and adults mental health, performing assessments, diagnosis, as well as therapy. They can be involved in Family Justice Court proceedings, taking a look at the mental health of parents to determine if they're capable of raising their children. A counsellor can provide you with an anonymous platform to discuss your concerns with someone who has been trained in listening and helping you understand the situation better. Counsellors are not involved in your decision-making process and will be more unbiased than a friend. They can also offer suggestions on how to proceed. When choosing a counselor be sure that they are registered with the HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council). There is a searchable database of psychologists on this website that can be filtered by specialism and clientele. You can also verify that they have a valid GMC license to practice in the UK. You should also check whether they have any disciplinary or complaints experience with the BPS. If a Psychologist has been recommended by a barrister or solicitor it is a great idea to ask them about their experience and the quality of their reports in prior 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 detect 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 the level of intelligence a person has, as certain personality traits can be related to low IQ. The person conducting the psychological assessment will need to be certified. It is essential to select someone who has experience conducting medico-legal evaluations and attending court. If they don't have this expertise the reports they submit may not be taken seriously. They might not be able provide clear evidence in court, or they might not have the right information, which could impact the outcome of the case. private psychological assessment will appear after the name of a professional who is an Royal College of Psychiatrists member. This indicates that the individual is a medical doctor who has received specialist training in psychotherapy. They can give a complete diagnosis and prescribe medications. They may also refer the patient to another specialist. A psychiatrist can aid a patient who is suffering from mental health issues. In family cases, the clinical psychologist will often perform a capacity to parenting assessment. This will establish if the person is mentally able to take care of their children and making their own decisions. The psychologist needs to know the child's needs as well as how they behave. They also need to have a good grasp of the dynamics of families and relationships. It is also important to ensure that the psychologist has the right experience to conduct a capacity to parent assessment. This will include being a counsellor or a clinical psychologist. They must have worked with family courts and be a British Psychological Society member. It is possible to locate a suitable psychologist by asking your barrister or solicitor for an endorsement. They will know which psychologists are well-respected and have experience in family law. You can also look through the HCPC's register to see if the psychologist has ever been accused of anything. Child Psychologists 5.2.6 Psychologists are also instructed to carry out psychological assessments of children who are the focus of family court proceedings. These assessments can be used to assist the judge to understand the behavior of a child or to suggest therapies or support services for the child and/or parents. They can be extremely expensive - a few thousand pounds, and could have to be financed by the parents or Guardian-ad-Litem. It is essential to choose the right psychologist who is competent to assist you. Your solicitor or barrister might be able to recommend someone they have worked with and respect. If not, then you can find out more about their expertise qualifications, experience and expertise by examining the HCPC Register. In recent years there have been concerns about the quality of expert psychologists' evidence. It is therefore worthwhile to determine if they have any complaints against them. If you are being assessed by a psychologist then it is crucial to provide them all the information they need to conduct an accurate assessment. That will mean that they'll have to spend a lot of time or days with you and your child if they're seen alone. They will likely also need to have access to your medical records from your doctor (with your permission). It is very important to remain calm, relaxed and respectful during the evaluation. The psychologist has been instructed by social services to investigate everything they can that shows you aren't a good parent Don't give them a reason to use against you. This is especially important if you're visiting psychologists for children because their report could be biased.
private psychological assessment
