Psychiatric Assessment
What is a Psychiatric Assessment?
At Harley Street Mental Health we pride ourselves on listening to our service users experiences and creating treatment plans base on their needs.
Our Adult Initial Psychiatric Assessments are conducted by one of our expert clinicians and last around 1 hour.
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.
What we treat
We can diagnose and treat the following conditions for Adults through our initial psychiatric assessment.
Prior to booking an appointment we recommend filling out the following screening tools. You will be asked to fill in the screening tools again prior to follow up appointment to monitor the
effectiveness of treatment.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Scores of 5, 10, and 15 are taken as the cut-off points for mild, moderate and severe anxiety respectively.
Social Anxiety Disorder
30-49(mild), 50-64(moderate), 65-79(marked), 80-94(severe), >95 (Very Severe)
Depression
Results indicate mild, moderate or severe depression as per calculator.
PTSD
Considered more likely if at least 1 answer of 3,4,5 points at question 1-5. At least 3 answers of 3,4,5 points at question 6-12. At least 2 answers of 3,4,5 at questions 13-17
Insomnia
0-7 (no clinically significant insomnia), 8-14 (subthreshold), 15-21 Clinical Insomnia (moderate severity), 22-28 – clinical insomnia (severe)
OCD
0-7 (sub clinical), 8-15(Mild), 16-23 (Moderate), 24-31 (Severe), 32-49 (Extreme)
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.
All psychiatric assessments at Harley Street Mental Health are conducted by highly experienced consultant psychiatrists. Our psychiatrists are fully qualified medical doctors who have completed specialist training in psychiatry and are registered with the General Medical Council (GMC). Each consultant has been hand-selected for their expertise, professionalism, and compassionate approach to patient care.
Yes, the psychiatric assessments and diagnostic reports completed at Harley Street Mental Health are fully compliant with NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) guidelines and are usually accepted by NHS services. If you are diagnosed with a condition, your GP should be able to record the diagnosis on your NHS medical records. However, depending on their individual policies, some GP practices may not be able to take over prescribing of any new medication initiated privately. We recommend discussing this with your GP in advance if you wish to transfer care.
During your psychiatric assessment, your consultant psychiatrist will explore your current symptoms, mental health history, physical health, lifestyle factors, and any previous diagnoses or treatments. The assessment usually lasts 60 minutes and may include discussing your mood, thought patterns, sleep, energy levels, and relationships. Our goal is to understand your experience fully and develop a personalised, evidence-based treatment plan tailored to your needs.
You don’t need to do anything special to prepare, but it can be helpful to make notes about your symptoms, any past mental health treatments, medications you have tried, and questions you’d like to ask. Prior to your assessment you will be emailed a number of questionnaires to complete. There is always extra space for your to write more details, as we appreciate at times it can be easier to write your symptoms in advance to the doctor rather than verbalising these. If you have copies of previous psychiatric reports, GP letters, or a medication list, please bring them with you to your appointment.
Our psychiatrists are experienced in diagnosing a wide range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety disorders, Phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Complex Post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD), Insomnia, Adjustment disorders and more. Your psychiatrist will carefully assess your symptoms to ensure an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.
Yes, absolutely. We understand that many patients feel nervous before their first psychiatric appointment. At Harley Street Mental Health, our psychiatrists are carefully chosen not just for their clinical expertise but also for their warmth, empathy, and down-to-earth approach. We pride ourselves on creating a supportive, non-judgmental environment where you can feel safe, heard, and respected.
Yes. Many people seek a second opinion if they feel uncertain about a previous diagnosis or if their treatment hasn’t been effective. Our psychiatrists provide detailed, independent assessments and can offer a fresh perspective on diagnosis and treatment options, all based on the latest clinical guidelines and research.
We offer fast access to private psychiatric assessments, often with appointments available within a week. This ensures you can get the support you need without the long waiting times typically associated with NHS services.
Following your assessment, you will receive a detailed written report outlining the diagnosis (if applicable), clinical findings, and personalised treatment recommendations. This may include medication options, therapy referrals, lifestyle changes, or further investigations. Our team can also offer ongoing treatment if you wish to continue your care with us.
Yes, absolutely. At Harley Street Mental Health, we are committed to providing an inclusive, respectful, and person-centred service for everyone we see. We understand that cultural background, gender identity, neurodiversity, disability, and life experiences can all influence how mental health conditions present. Our psychiatrists are trained to recognise and respect these differences.
We always ask and use your preferred name and pronouns, and we create a safe, supportive environment where you can speak openly without fear of judgment. Your individuality is recognised and valued at every stage of the assessment and treatment process.
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.