Minds Behind the Mirror
Recognising, Assessing & Managing Psychiatric Risk in Patients Seeking Cosmetic Procedures
Expert, consultant-led CPD training for cosmetic and aesthetic practitioners.
Minds Behind the Mirror
A focused CPD-certified session for cosmetic and aesthetic practitioners on recognising, assessing, and managing psychiatric risk in patients seeking cosmetic procedures.
Led by Consultant Psychiatrist Dr Irfan Rafiq, the course provides practical screening tools, referral guidance, and legal and ethical safeguards that practitioners can apply in clinical practice.
About the Course
Harley Street Mental Health Academy, part of Harley Street Mental Health, is proud to offer Minds Behind the Mirror — a focused CPD-certified session on recognising, assessing, and managing psychiatric risk in patients seeking cosmetic procedures.
Led by Consultant Psychiatrist Dr Irfan Rafiq, this course bridges the gap between aesthetic medicine and psychiatry. The patients in your consulting room are sometimes the patients who end up in ours — and the psychiatric context in which a procedure is requested matters enormously, both for patient wellbeing and for your clinical and legal safety. This practical, applied session equips aesthetic practitioners to identify the psychiatric conditions that make surgery inappropriate, screen for them in under two minutes, and refer confidently before picking up a scalpel or syringe.
Virtual or In-House Training
Certification: CPD-Certified
Who is this course for?
This course is aimed at practitioners who perform or advise on cosmetic and aesthetic procedures, including:
- Cosmetic and plastic surgeons
- Aesthetic doctors and nurse practitioners
- Dermatologists and skin-treatment practitioners
- Injectors and providers of minimally invasive procedures, including fillers and toxins
- GPs working in or referring into aesthetic practice
- Psychologists and mental health professionals who interface with cosmetic populations
You don’t need to become a psychiatrist. You need to know enough to recognise when you’re out of your depth — and exactly what to do about it.
Why choose Harley Street Mental Health Academy?
Led by a Harley Street consultant psychiatrist with frontline experience of this exact patient population.
Specific tools, specific questions, and a clear referral pathway you can use from tomorrow.
Built around the diagnosis most likely to cause serious harm and litigation if missed: Body Dysmorphic Disorder.
A strong focus on the legal, ethical, and documentation safeguards that protect your practice.
What you will learn
Gain the practical knowledge and confidence to identify psychiatric risk, make informed clinical decisions, and protect both your patients and your practice.
01.
Recognise Psychiatric Risk
Develop the ability to identify common psychiatric conditions in patients seeking cosmetic procedures and recognise when psychological factors may influence treatment decisions.
02.
Identify Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)
Understand the clinical features of Body Dysmorphic Disorder, recognise its warning signs, and appreciate why cosmetic intervention is generally contraindicated for affected patients.
03.
Apply Practical Screening Tools
Learn how to use validated screening tools, including the BDDQ, to assess psychiatric risk efficiently within routine aesthetic consultations.
04.
Make Safe Referral Decisions
Know when psychiatric assessment is required, understand the referral pathway, and communicate effectively with mental health professionals before proceeding with treatment.
05.
Protect Patients and Your Practice
Understand the legal, ethical, and documentation responsibilities involved in aesthetic practice, helping safeguard patient wellbeing while reducing professional and regulatory risk.
Why choose Harley Street Mental Health Academy?
Consultant-led
Led by a Harley Street consultant psychiatrist with frontline experience of this exact patient population.
Practical and applied
Specific tools, specific questions, and a clear referral pathway you can use from tomorrow.
Focused on BDD
Built around the diagnosis most likely to cause serious harm and litigation if missed: Body Dysmorphic Disorder.
Legal safeguards
A strong focus on the legal, ethical, and documentation safeguards that protect your practice.
Interactive cases
Includes three interactive, case-based discussions drawn from real clinical experience.
CPD-certified
Includes an end-of-session MCQ that can form part of your reflective log.
Programme Overview
Part 1: Understanding Psychiatric Risk
The scale of the problem and why psychiatric assessment matters before cosmetic treatment
Recognising BDD, understanding prevalence, presentation, and why cosmetic procedures are contraindicated
Depression, anxiety, OCD, eating disorders, personality disorders, and substance misuse
Part 2: Assessment & Safe Practice
When to assess, contraindications, and when referral is appropriate
Consent, capacity, documentation, and protecting both practitioner and patient
Interactive clinical scenarios demonstrating real-world decision making
How to enroll
You can book onto our CPD accredited course on the diagnosis and management of ADHD in adults using the below booking widget. Spaces are limited to ensure an engaging and personalized learning experience.
Pre-Appointment
During the Appointment
Post Appointment
Completion of Assessment
Frequently Asked Questions
(FAQs)
If you can’t find what you’re looking for, our team is here to help. Contact us for personalized guidance.
Yes. You will leave able to use the BDDQ routinely, recognise the red flags for BDD and other high-risk presentations, and write an effective psychiatric referral—while remaining within your professional scope of practice and your regulatory body’s requirements (e.g. GMC, NMC).
Yes. The session is aligned with NICE CG31 (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Body Dysmorphic Disorder), incorporates BAAPS/BAPRAS guidance on patient selection in cosmetic surgery, and reflects GMC standards on consent and declining inappropriate treatment
The course is delivered by Dr Irfan Rafiq, Consultant Psychiatrist, who brings direct clinical experience of assessing psychiatric risk in patients seeking cosmetic procedures
We offer this as a virtual session, and it can also be arranged as in-house training for cosmetic and aesthetic teams.
Yes. The session is CPD-certified and includes an end-of-session MCQ. On completion you receive a Certificate of Completion from Harley Street Mental Health Academy, which can be used as evidence of CPD for appraisal and revalidation purposes.
This is a focused 90-minute CPD session. It can be delivered as a standalone webinar or as part of an in-house training day for your clinic or practice.
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
Enroll on our course Today
Have a glance at the calendar and select a good time for you.
What our students say about us
Read real experiences from our patients—trusted, professional care that makes a lasting impact on mental health.
Enrolling in Harley Street Academy was the best decision I’ve made for my personal and professional growth. The mental health courses are not only deeply informative but also emotionally enriching. I now feel confident supporting clients with real empathy and evidence-based tools.
Sarah M.
I’ve attended multiple training programs, but none come close to the level of care, depth, and professionalism I found here. The tutors are industry experts who genuinely care about your success.
James R.
As someone new to the mental health field, I felt incredibly supported. The course content is well-structured, and the team creates a safe space to ask questions and grow. I now feel equipped to begin my career with confidence.
Aisha K.
What I learned at Harley Street Academy translated directly into my day-to-day practice. Whether you’re a nurse, coach, or therapist, their approach is practical and highly applicable.
Michael T.
EXCELLENT Based on 668 reviews Posted on Google Shaun McMahonTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr. Atiya Raza was excellent. She listened carefully and attentively to everything I had to say, making me feel genuinely heard and understood. She then took the time to explain my symptoms thoughtfully and clearly, giving me valuable insight into how I was feeling and why. I highly recommend Dr. Raza and this service. Thank you, Dr. Raza!Posted on Google Tia DicckinsonTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Amazing assessment with Dr Mohammed Ali Raza made the whole process nice and easy and very comfortable thankyou xPosted on Google Abby HaleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had Dr Sarah Sullivan for my ADHD assessment and she was so lovely went through everything in great detail and made me feel so comfortable to open up about my experiences. I would recommend her to anyone she is so lovely and great at what she doesPosted on Google Laura GillardTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I am writing to share my excellent experience with Malaika during my recent ADHD assessment. She conducted the consultation with a perfect balance of professionalism and warmth, immediately putting me at ease. Her thoroughness, empathy, and patience made a potentially overwhelming process feel incredibly supportive. I was particularly grateful that she allowed me time at the end of the session to take a moment and let the information sink in. Thank you for such exceptional care.Posted on Google Jack DalyTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had my ADHD assessment with Dr Ijaz and he was genuinely amazing. I was pretty worried going into it because I find it hard to explain what’s going on in my head clearly, and I was scared I wouldn’t be able to get everything across properly. But he listened so well, asked really good questions, and made me feel very understood. It was honestly one of the first times I’ve felt that well understood. He was really nice, patient and easy to talk to, and I felt like he actually understood what I meant even when I couldn’t explain it perfectly. The appointment helped me make sense of a lot, and just those realisations alone feel like a huge step in the right direction. He also helped me through the process afterwards, including when I had accidentally submitted some questionnaires incorrectly, which I really appreciated. The report was done very quickly, but it was still detailed and comprehensive. I also haven’t started medication yet, but one of the strategies he suggested for managing my symptoms has already been genuinely helpful, which says a lot. Overall, I had a super positive experience and couldn’t have asked for better. I’m very grateful and would definitely recommend Dr Ijaz.Posted on Google Tracey ColliverTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. It was refreshing to actually be heard. They took the time to listen, made me feel at ease. I couldn’t wish for a better experience! Highly recommendedPosted on Google EWTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fantastic service from start to finish. Every interaction has been pleasent and helpful. Admin team were great and followed up with emails and calls. Dr Rhuta Dandekar was very easy to talk to and made me feel comfortable. She was very kind and caring, making the assessment much easier than expected. All information was set out clearly and timeframes were explained and stuck too which is always helpful. The support documents came through extremely quickly follwoing the feedback appointment and the report arrived in just four days. Great service.Posted on Google Charlotte JTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I waited to get an ADHD assessment for years, probably close to a decade if not more. I decided to go for it because I'd rather answer the 'what if' question finally, and I am so glad I did. I was really apprehensive, nervous. I've never done anything like this before, wasn't sure what would be asked. Harley Street Mental Health overall is such a great place, very good on communication and friendly. Once I got through to an appointment, I had Dr Sijjad Ijaz. I said I was nervous, a bit anxious and it took me a while to settle into the appointment. He was incredible. Very calming, took me seriously and listened. The questions felt more personal and related to how I live my life, which helped me get more comfortable and didn't rush anything, and followed up on a lot of what I was explaining. Even walked me through what would happen next before the appointment was over. He really wanted to make sure that I had as much help to support my case as possible rather than just dismiss me, and it means more to me than I thought! I felt heard and supported at Harley Street Mental Health. I can't recommend this place enough, I can't recommend Dr Ijaz enough!Verified by TrustindexTrustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more
