A private phobia assessment at Harley Street Mental Health is a thorough evaluation carried out by an experienced consultant psychiatrist. We assess the nature, severity, and impact of your specific phobia, alongside your mental health history, to provide a clear diagnosis and create a personalised treatment plan. Our goal is to help you overcome your […]

All phobia assessments are conducted by consultant psychiatrists who are GMC-registered and highly experienced in treating anxiety disorders and specific phobias. Our psychiatrists are hand-selected for their clinical expertise and approachable, compassionate communication style, ensuring you feel safe and supported throughout your assessment.

During your assessment, your psychiatrist will discuss the development and nature of your phobia, the situations or objects you fear, the severity of your physical and emotional reactions, and how the phobia affects your daily functioning. They will also explore your mental health background, lifestyle, and any previous treatments. This full understanding helps us create

Yes. Our phobia assessments and diagnoses follow NICE guidelines and are generally accepted by NHS services and GPs. If you are diagnosed with a specific phobia, your GP should be able to add the diagnosis to your NHS records. However, if medication is recommended, it’s advisable to check with your GP if they can continue

Before your appointment, you will receive electronic questionnaires asking about your symptoms, history, and experiences. Completing these beforehand can help you organise your thoughts and reduce anxiety about the session. It’s helpful to reflect on when your phobia started, how it impacts your life, and what situations you avoid. Bringing along any past psychiatric reports,

Treatment for phobias often includes Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) with exposure-based techniques, gradual desensitisation, and in some cases, medication to manage anxiety symptoms. Your psychiatrist will discuss the best evidence-based options for you, tailoring your treatment plan to your specific needs, experiences, and comfort levels.

Yes. Our psychiatrists are trained to prescribe medications that can help manage the symptoms of phobias when needed, following the Maudsley Prescribing Guidelines. This might include short-term use of anti-anxiety medications or antidepressants to support therapy work. We take a cautious, personalised approach, with medication used only when appropriate alongside psychological treatments.

Yes. We know that discussing fears and phobias can feel daunting. All our psychiatrists are selected for their empathetic, approachable nature and their skill in creating a calm, non-judgmental space where you can feel comfortable sharing your experiences.

Absolutely. Harley Street Mental Health is committed to inclusive, respectful mental health care for every patient. We understand that experiences of fear and anxiety can be influenced by cultural and personal factors. We always ask for and use your preferred name and pronouns and adapt our assessments and treatments to ensure they are sensitive to

We offer both virtual phobia assessments and in-person assessments at our prestigious clinic at 10 Harley Street, London. The clinical process, diagnostic quality, and personalised care are exactly the same. Some patients prefer the convenience and privacy of a remote appointment, while others feel more at ease speaking face-to-face. You can choose whichever option you