OCD Treatment
Our compassionate and professional clinicians can provide a comprehensive psychiatric assessment and treatment plan for OCD
What is OCD?
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 OCD?
Obsessions
Unpleasant / unwanted thoughts
Unpleasant / unwanted Images
Distressing images / sensations
Fears about contamination with dirt, germs, viruses
Worries about leaving doors unlocked, lights on, kitchen hob on, causing harm to someoneWorries about leaving doors unlocked, lights on, kitchen hob on, causing harm to someone
Intrusive thoughts
Fear of making mistakes
Compulsions
Thoughts that you feel the need to repeat actions that you feel the need to repeat
What are the Symptoms of OCD?
Obsessions
- Unpleasant / unwanted thoughts
- Unpleasant / unwanted Images
- Distressing images / sensations
- Fears about contamination with dirt, germs, viruses
- Worries about leaving doors unlocked, lights on, kitchen hob on, causing harm to someone
- Intrusive thoughts
- Fear of making mistakes
- A need for exactness
Compulsions
- Thoughts that you feel the need to repeat actions that you feel the need to repeat
How can we treat OCD?
There are various different ways of treating OCD, and these will be discussed with you at your appointment with one of our friendly clinicians.
Generally speaking these can be divided into Non-Medication and Medication Treatments.
Non medication treatments often involve psychological therapies such as CBT which helps you face your fears and obsessive thoughts without “putting them right” through compulsions.
There are also a number of different medications that can be prescribed for OCD that will be discussed at your appointment with your clinician.
It is often the case that people respond differently to medications, and therefore at Harley Street Mental Health our clinicians like to discuss individualised treatment plans and come to a shared decision on which treatment plan would be most appropriate.
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.
What is the process for OCD 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.
Unlike most services, we aim to get our reports sent out within 48 hours.
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 OCD assessment at Harley Street Mental Health provides a detailed evaluation of obsessive thoughts, compulsive behaviours, and their impact on your daily life. Our consultant psychiatrists use evidence-based diagnostic criteria to confirm a diagnosis and create a personalised treatment plan. We are committed to offering fast, compassionate access to expert care so you can regain control and improve your quality of life.
All OCD assessments at Harley Street Mental Health are conducted by highly experienced consultant psychiatrists who specialise in diagnosing and treating obsessive-compulsive disorder. Our psychiatrists are GMC-registered, clinically skilled, and chosen for their approachable, empathetic style, ensuring that you feel comfortable, respected, and fully supported throughout your assessment.
During your OCD assessment, your psychiatrist will explore the nature of your obsessions (intrusive, unwanted thoughts) and compulsions (repetitive behaviours or mental acts), when they began, how often they occur, and how they affect your life. They will also review your mental health history, physical health, previous treatments, and current medications. This allows us to make an accurate diagnosis and recommend the most effective, evidence-based treatment options.
Yes. Our OCD assessments and reports are fully compliant with NICE guidelines and are typically accepted by NHS GPs and services. If you are diagnosed with OCD, your GP should be able to record the diagnosis on your NHS medical records. However, if we initiate medication, some GPs may have specific policies around taking over prescribing from private services, so it’s best to discuss this with your GP beforehand if you plan to transfer ongoing care.
Before your appointment, we will ask you to complete electronic questionnaires about your symptoms, experiences, and mental health history. These help you share important information with your psychiatrist in advance and can be particularly helpful if you find it difficult to describe your thoughts or behaviours verbally. It’s also useful to note when your symptoms began, any triggers you have identified, and any previous treatments or therapies you have tried. Bringing past psychiatric letters, therapy notes, or a list of medications can further support your assessment.
We offer a full range of evidence-based treatments for OCD, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy with Exposure and Response Prevention (CBT-ERP), medication (such as SSRIs), or a combination of both. In some cases, specialist medications or advanced therapy approaches may be recommended. Your psychiatrist will work with you to design a personalised, practical treatment plan to help you manage and reduce symptoms over time.
Yes. Our psychiatrists are trained to prescribe a broad range of medications for OCD, guided by the Maudsley Prescribing Guidelines. We can offer advanced treatment options that may not always be available through a GP, including higher-dose SSRI treatments, combination therapies, or specialist medications for treatment-resistant OCD. All prescribing decisions are made carefully, tailoring treatment to your individual needs and safety.
Yes. We understand that talking about intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviours can feel very personal and sometimes embarrassing. Our psychiatrists are hand-picked not just for their clinical skill, but also for their compassionate, down-to-earth communication style. You will be met with empathy, understanding, and a non-judgmental approach.
Absolutely. Harley Street Mental Health is committed to providing inclusive, respectful mental health care for all patients. We recognise that OCD can present differently across cultures and genders, and that your identity and background matter. We always ask for and use your preferred name and pronouns, and adapt our assessments and treatments to be fully person-centred.
You can choose between a virtual OCD assessment or an in-person assessment at our prestigious clinic at 10 Harley Street, London. Both options offer the same thorough clinical evaluation, evidence-based diagnosis, and personalised treatment planning. Some patients prefer the convenience and privacy of a virtual appointment, while others feel more at ease speaking face-to-face. You are free to choose whichever format suits you best , the level of care remains equally high.
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
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.