What to Expect From a Private Psychological Assessment
5.2.6
If you need an assessment of your psychological health, your ex-partner or a child it is vital that the expert witness you select is HCPC registered. It is also important to confirm whether they are members of the British Psychological Society.
Your barrister or solicitor may be in a position to recommend a psychologist they have worked with and who they respect. But, it's worthwhile to check the HCPC list to see their specialisms and qualifications.
Psychiatrists
Private psychiatric assessments are not just more convenient and quicker than waiting to be seen by the local mental health services they also allow you to select the psychiatrist that is the most suitable to meet your requirements. You can also collaborate with your doctor on a treatment plan that may include therapy or medication.
During a private assessment you will see a specialist psychiatrist who will ask questions regarding your medical history and current symptoms, emotions, and experiences that may have affected your mental health. During the appointment, your psychiatrist will also perform tests to test your cognitive abilities. These can include simple tests like remembering short lists, recognizing shapes or solving problems. These tests are conducted in a relaxed and comfortable environment and your therapist will be available to answer any questions you may have.
If you have a private medical insurance policy your doctor will discuss whether or not you need to undergo any additional medical tests to get an accurate picture of your condition. They will also provide any fees related to private medical tests suggested. You will then be able to decide if you want to have the tests done by your GP, or privately.
During the evaluation, your psychiatrist will also be on the lookout for indications of suicidal behavior. If they discover any indication of suicide risk, your psychiatrist will advise immediate action, which may involve sectioning you under the Mental Health Act. If psychiatric assessment report isn't feasible the psychiatrist will refer you to a healthcare professional who can offer a suitable care package.
A lot of people are unaware that certain private medical insurance policies will cover the psychiatric examination. It is more likely that those with high-deductible insurance plans will require this type of assessment. This is why it's crucial to research the various options to find the best price. Some providers offer discounted rates for new patients while others offer a free or reduced psychiatric assessments. Additionally, some health plans feature a telehealth option which allows you to connect to a psychiatrist via video conference.
Counsellors
Counsellors deal with a variety of emotional issues, such as relationships and mental health. Counsellors assist clients in identifying their issues, manage them, and discover practical solutions. They can also help with self-esteem and strategies for dealing with stress. Certain counsellors are specialized in specific clients, such as children or the elderly. The majority of psychologists employed in counselling are employed by the NHS However, some offer private services or have their own practice. Some may specialize in a specific area of the field, like post-traumatic stress disorder.
To become a counselor psychologist, you'll need a degree in psychology that usually has a strong research element as well as be required to complete extensive training. Some courses accept a 2:2 degree while others require a higher level and relevant work experience. Once qualified, you can apply to join the HCPC register. You will also need to find a coordinating supervisor on the BPS Register of Applied Psychological Practice Supervisors who will oversee your training and provide support as you build your skills and know-how.
Clinical and counselling psychologists work regularly with adult and children mental health, assisting with assessment, diagnosis, and therapy. They are also involved in Family Justice Court cases, assessing the mental health of parents to determine whether they are able to be parents to their children.
A counsellor can give you an opportunity to talk about your concerns with someone who has been trained to listen and assist you understand the situation better. Counsellors are more objective than a friend as they don't have any stake in the outcome of your decision. They can also give suggestions regarding how to proceed.
Make sure you check whether a counsellor is registered with the HCPC. There is a searchable list of psychologists available on this website which can be filtered by specialism and clients. You can also verify that they are licensed with 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 referred by a barrister or solicitor it is a great idea to ask them about their experience and the quality of their reports in past cases.
Clinical Psychologists
A private psychologist assessment usually involves one or more face-to meeting sessions. Psychological tests are questionnaires that are designed to identify mental disorders or personality disorders. These tests can be used to determine if a person is suffering from a disease like a phobia or bipolar disorder. They can also be used to assess a person's intelligence, as certain personality traits can be linked to low IQ.
The person conducting the psychological assessment must be licensed. It is essential to select a professional who has experience in conducting medical-legal assessments and appearing in court. This is because if they don't have the necessary experience, their reports could not be considered as credible by the courts. They may not be able to present a clear and convincing argument in court, or overlook important information that could impact the outcome.
A professional who is a member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists will have the letters MRCPsych after their name. This means that the professional is a medical doctor who has received specialist training in the field of psychiatry. They can give a complete diagnosis and prescribe medication. Additionally, they are able to refer the patient to other specialists. A psychiatrist can aid those suffering from mental health issues.
In family situations the psychologist often conducts a capacity to parenting assessment. This will determine if the person is able to mentally look after their children and make decisions for them. The psychologist needs to be able to comprehend the child's behaviour and needs. They should also be aware of the dynamics of families and relationships.
It is also important to make sure that the psychologist has the right experience in conducting a capacity parent assessment. This could 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 an appropriate psychologist by asking your solicitor or barrister for recommendations. They will know which psychologists are well-respected and have expertise in family law. You can also look through the on the register of the HCPC to determine if the psychologist has ever been accused of any crime.
Child Psychologists
5.2.6 Psychologists may also be instructed to carry out psychological assessments of children who are the focus of family court proceedings. They can assist the judge in understanding the child's behavior or recommend therapies or support services for the child and/or parents. They can be extremely expensive - a few thousand pounds, and could require to be paid for by the Guardian-ad-Litem's parents or Guardians.
It is crucial to select a good psychologist. Your solicitor or barrister might be able to suggest someone they have worked with and respected. If they haven't, you can check the HCPC Register to find out more about their specialties and their qualifications. In recent years, there have been concerns regarding the quality of expert psychologists' evidence. It is therefore worthwhile to determine if they have a history of complaints against them.
It is crucial to provide all the data needed by a psychologist to be able to make a correct assessment. If you're seeing the child on their own they could require a few days or hours with you. They will likely also need to have access to your medical records from the GP (with your permission).
It is crucial to remain calm, relaxed and respectful during the evaluation. The psychologist is instructed by social services to investigate all the evidence that can show you are not a suitable parent Don't give them a reason to use against you. This is especially important in the case of a child psychologist as they could be more likely to be biased in their assessment.