Psychiatric Assessments for Cosmetic Surgery Patients
Specialist mental health assessments for patients considering cosmetic surgery and other aesthetic procedures. At Harley Street Mental Health, we provide independent psychological assessments for patients where there may be a history of mental health difficulties, concerns about Body Dysmorphic Disorder, unrealistic expectations, emotional vulnerability, or uncertainty about psychological suitability for surgery. Our assessments are designed to support safe, ethical and responsible decision-making for both patients and referring clinicians.
Supporting safe and ethical cosmetic surgery decisions
Cosmetic surgery can be life-changing for the right patient, at the right time, and with the right expectations. However, some patients may require a more detailed psychological assessment before proceeding, particularly where there is a history of anxiety, depression, trauma, obsessive compulsive symptoms, eating disorder, repeated cosmetic procedures, dissatisfaction with previous results, or possible Body Dysmorphic Disorder.
Our role is to provide a clinically robust, compassionate and independent mental health assessment to help the treating surgeon understand whether there are psychological concerns that may affect suitability, consent, expectations, or postoperative satisfaction.
We work with cosmetic surgeons, dermatologists and aesthetic clinics who want to ensure that patients are psychologically supported and that any potential risks are identified before treatment proceeds.
Who may benefit from this assessment?
This service is suitable for patients seeking cosmetic or aesthetic procedures where the referring clinician would like a specialist mental health opinion before proceeding.
Have a current or past history of anxiety, depression, OCD, trauma, eating disorder, self-harm or other mental health difficulty.
Appear highly distressed or preoccupied by a perceived flaw in their appearance.
Describe concerns that appear disproportionate to the visible clinical findings.
Have had multiple previous cosmetic procedures or remain persistently dissatisfied despite treatment.
Are seeking cosmetic surgery, dermatological treatment or other interventions where psychological suitability is uncertain.
Need a structured assessment of expectations, motivation, mental health history and possible Body Dysmorphic Disorder.
Require an independent report for the treating surgeon or clinic.
Body Dysmorphic Disorder screening
Body Dysmorphic Disorder, often referred to as BDD, is a mental health condition where a person becomes excessively preoccupied with perceived flaws in their appearance. These concerns can cause significant distress and can affect relationships, work, social functioning and quality of life.
BDD is particularly important in cosmetic surgery because surgery may not resolve the underlying psychological distress. In some cases, proceeding with treatment can lead to continued dissatisfaction, repeated procedures, worsening distress or increased risk
Our assessments explore features that may suggest BDD, including the level of preoccupation, time spent thinking about appearance, repetitive checking or reassurance seeking, avoidance, functional impact, distress, insight, previous procedures, expectations of surgery and associated risks.
The purpose of the assessment is not to judge the patient or prevent appropriate care. It is to ensure that the patient is making an informed decision, that psychological risks are identified, and that the referring clinician has a clear specialist opinion before deciding whether to proceed.
What does the assessment involve?
Each assessment is carried out by an experienced mental health clinician and may include:
- A full psychiatric and psychological history.
- A full psychiatric and psychological history.
- Assessment of body image concerns and possible Body Dysmorphic Disorder.
- Exploration of the patient’s motivation for surgery.
- Assessment of expectations and understanding of likely outcomes.
- Consideration of capacity, consent and decision-making.
- Review of risk, including self-harm, suicidality or safeguarding concerns where relevant.
- Consideration of whether further psychological or psychiatric support is recommended before surgery.
- A written report for the referring clinician, with a clear clinical opinion and recommendations.
Where appropriate, we may recommend that surgery is deferred pending further treatment, psychological therapy, psychiatric review or stabilisation of mental health symptoms.
Referral pathway for surgeons and clinics
We can accept referrals directly from cosmetic surgeons, dermatology clinics, aesthetic clinics and private healthcare providers.
Our suggested pathway is:
The referring clinic contacts Harley Street Mental Health with the patient’s details and reason for referral.
The patient is offered a psychiatric assessment appointment.
The clinician completes a structured assessment with the patient.
A written report is prepared and sent securely to the referring clinic, subject to patient consent.
The referring surgeon remains responsible for the final decision regarding surgery.
We can also set up a more formal pathway with partner clinics where referrals, payments, report templates and turnaround expectations are agreed in advance.
Information we need from the referring clinic
To complete the assessment safely and efficiently, we usually request:
- Patient name, date of birth and contact details.
- Procedure being considered.
- Reason for referral.
- Relevant mental health history known to the clinic.
- Any concerns raised during consultation.
- Previous cosmetic procedures and outcomes, where known.
- Surgical consultation notes, where available.
- Any relevant medical history or medications.
- Whether a surgical date has already been proposed.
- Confirmation that the patient consents to referral and report sharing.
The more information provided at referral, the more focused and useful the psychiatric report can be.
Reports and turnaround times
Following assessment, we provide a clear written report outlining the clinical findings, relevant psychological factors, risk considerations and recommendations.
Reports can usually be completed within 1 to 2 working days following the appointment. In many cases, this may be sooner.
Where a clinic requires urgent turnaround for a planned surgical date, please contact our team before referral so we can confirm availability.
Fees
A standard online psycchiatric assessment for cosmetic surgery patients is:
Virtual assessment: £150
In-person assessment at Harley Street: £200
For clinics referring regularly, we are happy to discuss a formal pathway, including agreed referral processes, invoicing arrangements and report turnaround expectations.
Important note
A psychiatric assessment does not replace the treating surgeon’s own consent process, clinical assessment, cooling-off period or professional judgement.
Our role is to provide an independent mental health opinion to support safe decision-making. The final decision about whether to proceed with surgery remains with the treating clinician and the patient.
This service is not suitable for emergency mental health concerns. If there is an immediate risk of harm, patients should contact NHS 111, their GP, local crisis team or 999 in an emergency.
Frequently Asked Questions
(FAQs)
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Yes. We can work with referring clinics to create a streamlined pathway for referrals, appointments, payment and report delivery.
Yes. We can accept referrals from private hospitals, cosmetic surgery clinics, dermatologists and aesthetic clinics.
If significant concerns are identified, we may recommend that surgery is deferred and that the patient accesses appropriate psychological or psychiatric support. This is to protect patient wellbeing and support safe clinical practice.
Reports are usually completed within 3 to 5 working days after the appointment. Urgent requests can be discussed with our team before referral.
The report will provide a clinical opinion on psychological factors relevant to surgery, including mental health history, risk, expectations, possible BDD and recommendations. The final decision about surgery remains with the treating surgeon.
Yes. Our clinicians can assess for features of Body Dysmorphic Disorder and other psychological factors that may affect suitability for surgery. Where concerns are identified, we provide clear recommendations for the patient and referring clinician.
Yes. Most assessments can be completed remotely by secure video appointment. In-person appointments may also be available at Harley Street.
Yes. We can assess patients cosmetic procedures where the surgeon would like a psychological opinion before proceeding.
What makes you different to other clinics?
We hand pick all of our clinicians to ensure that they have the same values as us.
This ensures that our service users are actually listened to and are the heart of our treatment plans.
We recognise that diagnosis and treatment plans cannot simply be “one size fits all” and our personalised down to earth approach aims to keep the process as easy as possible.
We will try to keep your costs low where possible. Once you are on the right dose and feeling settled (you may need one or two medication titration appointments to achieve this), you can order your medication through the repeat medication process.
Following two months of being on the same dose, with no further changes, we will consider returning your care to your GP.
Can I see you on the NHS?
We are a private clinic, and therefore you cannot be seen by us as part of the NHS. <br><br>We can write to your GP once you are stable on your treatment to ask them to take over prescribing as part of a Shared Care Agreement, however they are under no obligation to accept this agreement.
Do I need a referral?
Our clinicians can see you directly without a referral, however a condition of all appointments is that you agree for Harley Street Mental Health to copy your GP into all assessment and treatment plans.
We are happy to accept referrals from other clinicians, however this is not necessary to use our service.
What happens during an appointment?
If you have booked a virtual appointment, you will be sent an invitation through our clinic software known as “Semble”. On the day of your appointment, you click the link and will enter into a video interview with one of our clinicians.
If you have booked an in-person appointment you will be greeted by your clinician in the waiting room.
Do you accept insurance?
Currently we do not accept insurance, and all of our assessments and treatment plans are self funded, and therefore we encourage you to look at the “fees” page prior to booking.
Do you prescribe medication?
Our team are able to prescribe medication as part of your treatment plan if this is required. Our prescriptions are private, and therefore you will be liable for the cost of the prescription and the medication.
Hod do I know if the treatment will be beneficial?
Unfortunately, there are no guarantees with psychiatry. All of our clinicians are extremely experienced and prescribe based on the most up to date evidence base. You will be involved in your treatment plans at all stages.
I have a complaint?
We are sorry to hear that you have a complaint. Please see the complaints section of our website or email complaints@hsmh.co.uk where we will endeavour to resolve your complaint in a timely manner.
What are the fees associated with ADHD Assessments?
Please see the fees section on the website. It is important that you are aware of all costs prior to starting treatment. An ADHD assessment costs £715 and lasts approximately 1.5 hours and will include a detailed written report and treatment plan (includes a prescription which will posted to your chosen pharmacy, if medication is considered suitable for you).
The cost of medication will be in addition to this and paid directly to your chosen pharmacy.
We then require service users to attend titration appointments at £150 each where your medication is adjusted until most effective. Once you move on to repeat prescriptions, they will cost £48 for a monthly prescription.
Once you are stable on your medication (around two months of being on the same dose, with no further changes and you feel much better) you can ask us to write to your GP and enter into a shared care agreement which costs £125. Your GP is under no obligation to accept a shared care agreement, and therefore we encourage all service users to discuss this with their GP prior to using our service.
Are you registered with the CQC?
Yes, we have been approved for registration with the Care Quality Commission
I have another question
Please email us on contact@hsmh.co.uk and we will get back to you shortly
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