Anxiety
What is Anxiety?
It is normal for most people to feel anxious at some point in their life, and is actually a normal reaction to stressful situations. Anxiety can become abnormal or problematic if it begins to interfere with your day-to-day life over a prolonged period of time. We say that anxiety becomes abnormal when it is out of proportion to the stressful situation, persists when a stressful situation has gone, or if it appears for no apparent reason when there is no stressful situation.
What are the Symptoms of Anxiety?
Physical Symptoms
Increased Heart Rate
Heart Palpitations
Feeling Breathless
Sweating
Feeling Dizzy
Headaches
Feeling tense
Tightness in chest
Nausea
Dry Mouth
Shaking
Emotional and Behavioural Symptoms
Feeling Irritable
Finding it hard to concentrate
Difficulties in sleeping
Loss of Appetite
Isolating yourself / Feeling lonely
Becoming socially withdrawn
Loss of Confidence
Low Self Esteem
Avoiding certain situations
Nervous Energy
Difficulty switching off and relaxing
Cognitive Symptoms
Feeling unable to cope
Feeling overwhelmed
Getting easily distracted
Racing thoughts
Intense Worry
Feeling overwhelmed
What are the Symptoms of Anxiety?
Physical Symptoms
- Increased Heart Rate
- Heart Palpitations
- Feeling Breathless
- Sweating
- Feeling Dizzy
- Headaches
- Feeling tense
- Tightness in chest
- Nausea
- Dry Mouth
- Shaking
Emotional and Behavioural Symptoms
- Feeling Irritable
- Finding it hard to concentrate
- Loss of Appetite
- Loss of Confidence
- Isolating yourself / Feeling lonely
- Low Self Esteem
- Difficulties in sleeping
- Becoming socially withdrawn
- Avoiding certain situations
- Nervous Energy
- Difficulty switching off and relaxing
Cognitive Symptoms
- Feeling unable to cope
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Getting easily distracted
- Racing thoughts
- Intense Worry
- Feeling overwhelmed
What are some of the different types of anxiety?
There are various different screening tools that we recommend using prior to booking an appointment. For Generalized Anxiety Disorder we recommend using the GAD-7, and for Social Anxiety Disorder we recommend using the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale. By filling in these screening tools prior to treatment, we will have a baseline in order to assess your response to treatment.
There are various different screening tools that we recommend using prior to booking an appointment. For Generalized Anxiety Disorder we recommend using the GAD-7, and for Social Anxiety Disorder we recommend using the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale. By filling in these screening tools prior to treatment, we will have a baseline in order to assess your response to treatment.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
This is primarily characterized by a persistent and excessive worrying /nervousness in a number of different domains. You do not have Generalized Anxiety disorder if your anxiety is about one specific thing.
Phobias
Phobias are an intense fear of a situation, object, animal, or activity. They are irrational and disproportionate to the actual danger posed by the object or situation and can be debilitating, and prevent individuals from living life to the fullest
Panic Attack
This is where there is a sudden onset, overwhelming feeling of anxiety and fear. It occurs without warning. It becomes known as panic disorder when you have repeated panic attacks.
Acute Stress Reaction
This typically occurs after an unexpected life event such as bereavement, trauma, or anxiety. The symptoms develop quickly, but do not last long (often resolving in 2-3 days).
What is the process for Anxiety Assessments
At Harley Street Mental Health we pride ourselves on listening to our service users experiences and creating treatment plans base on their needs.
01.
Initial Assessments
Our Initial Psychiatric Assessments are conducted by one of our expert clinicians and last around 1 hour.
02.
Final Assessment
After this assessment you will be provided with a report outlining the assessment, any diagnosis if this has been made and a proposed treatment plan including recommended follow up.
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.
A private anxiety assessment at Harley Street Mental Health involves a detailed evaluation of your symptoms, mental health history, and daily functioning by one of our consultant psychiatrists. We assess for all types of anxiety disorders, including Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety, Health Anxiety, and specific phobias. Our goal is to provide an accurate diagnosis and create a personalised treatment plan to help you regain control and feel better.
All anxiety assessments at Harley Street Mental Health are carried out by highly experienced consultant psychiatrists. Our specialists are fully GMC-registered medical doctors who have completed advanced training in psychiatry. They are carefully selected not just for their clinical expertise but also for their compassionate and supportive approach.
Yes. Our anxiety assessments are fully compliant with NICE guidelines and are usually accepted by NHS services. Your GP should be able to record any diagnosis we make on your NHS medical record. However, if treatment such as medication is initiated privately, some GP practices may have specific policies about continuing prescribing, so it’s a good idea to check with your GP beforehand if you plan to transfer care.
During your assessment, your psychiatrist will explore your symptoms in depth, including when they started, how they affect your life, and any physical symptoms you may experience (such as heart palpitations, dizziness, or breathlessness). They will also review your mental health history, medical background, lifestyle factors, and any previous treatments you’ve tried. The aim is to gain a full understanding of your situation and recommend an evidence-based treatment plan.
Before your private anxiety assessment at Harley Street Mental Health, you will be asked to complete a set of electronic questionnaires about your symptoms, experiences, and mental health history. These questionnaires include free-text sections where you can share any additional information you would like your psychiatrist to know ahead of the appointment. This can be especially helpful if you find it difficult to verbalise certain feelings during the assessment.
Completing these forms in advance helps ease anxiety and removes the pressure of having to explain everything spontaneously during your consultation. It’s also a good idea to make a note of your main symptoms, when they started, any specific triggers, and any previous treatments you’ve tried. If you have any past psychiatric letters, therapy notes, or a list of your current medications, bringing these to your appointment can further support a thorough and accurate evaluation.
Yes. There are multiple effective treatments for anxiety, and medication is just one option. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and other talking therapies are highly effective for many types of anxiety. Your psychiatrist will discuss all available treatment options with you , including therapy, lifestyle changes, self-help strategies, and medication if appropriate , to find the best plan for your needs.
Yes. We understand that discussing anxiety can feel overwhelming or intimidating. That’s why all our psychiatrists are chosen not only for their clinical skill but also for their kindness, patience, and down-to-earth communication style. We are committed to creating a safe, non-judgmental space where you can feel heard, respected, and supported.
Absolutely. We are proud to offer a fully inclusive and respectful service for all patients. Our psychiatrists are trained to recognise how anxiety can present differently across genders, cultures, and life experiences. We always ask and use your preferred name and pronouns, and we ensure that your individuality is recognised and respected throughout your care.
At Harley Street Mental Health, we offer both virtual anxiety assessments and in-person assessments at our prestigious clinic at 10 Harley Street, London.
The clinical process is the same for both , thorough, personalised, and evidence-based. Some patients prefer the convenience and privacy of a video consultation from home, while others find it more comfortable to meet face-to-face. We are happy to offer either option based on your preference.
We offer fast access to private anxiety assessments, often with availability within a few days. This means you can start receiving expert support quickly, without the long waiting times often experienced through NHS services.
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
What we can't treat
- If you are under the care of a community mental health team, please get in touch with them or their crisis helpline.
- Phone the Samaritans, who operate an always open service where you can talk to someone in confidence. They can be contacted on 116 123
- Contact the NHS on 111.
- Request an emergency appointment with your GP.
- Phone 999 or visit your local A&E if there is a life threatening mental health emergency.
Our Process
Prior to booking an appointment we encourage patients to :
1. Discuss their concerns with their GP. We encourage this to start the discussion early, in particular asking them if they are able to enter into shared care agreements once you are stable. If they are unable to do this, it will mean that even once stable, all of your prescriptions will have to be provided through Harley Street Mental Health at a cost.
2. Read the information provided about the conditions we treat in the above table and consider filling in the screening questionnaires.
3. Request a Summary Care Record from your GP. This can be accessed either through the NHS app, or by phoning up your GP Surgery.
4. Ensure you review the fee’s section of the website and are comfortable with the fees associated with assessment and treatment.
5. Ensure you are aware that unfortunately we are unable to provide services to individuals suffering from any psychiatric emergencies, suicidal ideations, or individuals that are currently under the care of a community mental health team.
If you have any questions about our services prior to booking please email contact@hsmh.co.uk and we will assist you on your journey with Harley Street Mental Health.
Use our online booking portal to book a virtual consultation using our state of the art video conferencing software, or email us to schedule an appointment in our prestigious clinic at 10 Harley Street.
Prior to your appointment you will receive an email providing information on what to expect on the day, along with a patient information questionnaire and a self-assessment form to fill in. We require that these are submitted prior to attending your appointment.
If you are visiting us at our clinic in person, one of our friendly clinicians will meet you in the waiting room.
If you are using our secure virtual service, you will be sent a link to join using our state of the art video conferencing software called Semble.
At both appointments you will be required to provide photo identification to confirm your identity. At virtual appointments you will be required to let the clinician know your current location.
This must take place within the United Kingdom.
After your appointment the following will occur:
1. You will receive your assessment outcome via email within 24-48 hours. Where appropriate this will contain your diagnosis and treatment plan.
2. Once agreed, your prescription will be sent to your chosen pharmacy in 72-96 hours. If you choose to use one of our nominated pharmacies, they are able to post medications directly to your door.
3. Your clinician will advise you on frequency of follow-up appointments to monitor treatment and progress.
When your treatment has been completed, you can request us to enter into a shared care agreement with your GP.
If they agree, then they will be able to take over prescribing of medication subject to the conditions of the shared care agreement.
In some instances a GP may refuse to enter into a shared care agreement, in which case all future prescriptions will have to be provided through Harley Street Mental Health. It is for this reason that we ask patients to speak to their GP prior to booking an appointment with our service.
How do I book an appointment?
Booking is quick and easy. Simply visit our website, select your service, and choose a suitable time.
Do you offer in-person and virtual consultations?
Yes, we provide both in-person assessments at 10 Harley Street and secure virtual consultations.
How soon will I receive my assessment report?
You will receive your detailed assessment report within 3 to 5 days after your consultation.
Are your clinicians qualified and accredited?
Absolutely. Our team consists of GMC-registered doctors and accredited specialists following NICE guidelines.
Can I get a repeat prescription?
Yes, we offer a straightforward repeat prescription service for ongoing treatment management.
Book your assessment today
Have a glance at the calendar and select a good time for you.