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What to Expect From a Private Psychological Assessment 5.2.6 If you require an assessment of your psychological health, your ex-partner or a child, it is crucial that the professional witness you choose to hire is HCPC certified. It is also important to confirm that they are members of the British Psychological Society. Your barrister or solicitor may be able to recommend a Psychologist they have worked with and respect. But, it's worth checking the HCPC register to see their specialisms and qualifications. Psychiatrists Private psychiatric assessments are not just more convenient and speedier than waiting for an appointment with the local mental health services and also permit you to select the psychiatrist that is the most suitable to meet your needs. You can also work with your doctor on an individual treatment plan that could include therapy or medication. In a private consultation, you will meet a specialist psychiatrist who will ask you questions about your medical history as well as your current symptoms, feelings and experiences that could have impacted your mental health. During the appointment, your psychiatrist will also perform tests to test your cognitive functions. These tests can be straightforward ones, such as recalling shapes, making short lists or solving problems. These tests are conducted in a a relaxed and comfortable environment, and your psychiatrist will be available to answer any questions you may have. If you have a private medical insurance policy, your psychiatrist will discuss whether or not you should undergo any additional medical tests to get more comprehensive information about your condition. They will also outline the cost of any medical tests that are suggested. You may then wish to get the tests done through your GP or make arrangements for them privately. During the assessment, your psychiatrist will also pay close attention to any signs of suicidal behaviour. If they spot any indication of suicide risk, your psychiatrist will suggest immediate action. This could require sectioning you in accordance with the Mental Health Act. If this isn't feasible the psychiatrist will refer you on to a healthcare professional who will be able to provide a suitable treatment package. Many people don't know that certain private medical insurance policies provide the psychiatric examination. Those who have high-deductible plans are more likely to need this type of examination and that's why it's important to shop around for the best price. Some providers offer a reduced cost for new patients while others provide discounted or free psychiatric examinations. Additionally, certain health plans feature a telehealth option that lets you connect with a psychiatrist through a video conference. Counsellors Counselors tackle a wide range of emotional issues including relationship and mental health issues. Counsellors help clients recognize their problems, manage them, and discover practical solutions. They also aid in strategies for coping and self-esteem. Some counsellors specialize in particular client groups, like children or older people. The majority of psychologists employed in counselling are employed by the NHS however some offer private services or have their own practices. Some psychologists may specialize in a particular area, such as posttraumatic stress disorder. To become a counselor psychologist, you will need a psychology degree, which normally includes a strong research component as well as require intensive training. Some courses accept a 2:2 diploma however, others require a higher level and relevant work experience. Once you have qualified you can be a member of the HCPC Register. You'll also need to locate a supervisor who is coordinating on the BPS Register of Applied Psychological Practice Supervisors who will supervise and support you as you develop your skills. Clinical and counselling psychologists work regularly with adult and children mental health, assisting with assessments, diagnosis, and therapy. They can also be involved in Family Justice Court cases, looking at the mental health of parents to determine if they are able to parent their children. A counsellor is a trained professional who will listen to your concerns and assist you to understand the situation. A counsellor isn't involved in your decisions and can be more unbiased than an acquaintance. They can also offer suggestions for how to proceed. Be sure to check if a counsellor is registered with the HCPC. The website contains an extensive list of psychologists that can be searched by specialization and clients. It is also possible to verify that they hold a valid GMC license to practice in the UK. It is also worth checking that they do not have a complaints or disciplinary history with the BPS (British Psychological Society). If a psychologist has been assigned by a solicitor or barrister it is a good idea to ask them about their experiences and the quality of their reports in prior cases. Clinical Psychologists A private psychologist assessment will typically involve one or more face-to-face sessions. It may include psychological tests which are questionnaires that are designed to detect mental illness or personality disorders. These tests can be used to determine if someone suffers from a disorder such as bipolar or phobia disorder. They can also be used to assess the level of intelligence a person has, as certain personality traits are associated with low IQ. The person who is conducting the psychological examination needs to be licensed. It is essential to select someone who has experience in conducting medically-legal evaluations and also attending court. If they don't have this experience and their reports aren't credible, they could not be considered to be reliable. They may not be able to give clear evidence in court or not have the right information, which could affect the outcome of the case. A professional who is a member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists will have the letters MRCPsych after their name. This means they are a registered medical doctor and have specialist training in psychiatry. They are able to provide a complete diagnosis and prescribe medication. visit may also refer the patient to another specialist. A psychiatrist can assist a patient who is suffering from mental health issues. In family situations, a psychologist who is a clinical psychologist may often conduct an assessment of the capacity of parents. This will determine whether the person is mentally capable of taking charge of their children and making decisions for them. The psychologist will need to understand the child's needs and the way that they behave. They also need to be aware of the dynamics of families and relationships. It is essential to ensure that the psychologist has the appropriate expertise to conduct an assessment of the parent's capacity. This includes being a clinical psychologist or counseling psychologist. They must have experience working with the family court, and must be a member of the British Psychological Society. You can find the right psychologist by asking your barrister or solicitor for a referral. They will know which psychologists have a good reputation and have experience in family law. They can also search the HCPC register to determine if the psychologist has ever had complaints against them. Child Psychologists 5.2.6 Psychologists are also asked to conduct psychological assessments for children who are the subject of family court proceedings. They can help the judge understand the behavior of a child or to recommend therapy or support services to the child and/or parents. These can be expensive – up to several thousand pounds – and could be incurred by the parents or Guardian Ad-Litem. It is crucial to choose the right psychologist who is competent to assist you. Your barrister or solicitor might be able to recommend someone they have worked with and respected. If they haven't, you can check the HCPC Register to find out more about their specialties and their qualifications. There are some concerns about the quality of the evidence provided by experts in recent times, so it is worth checking whether they have a history of complaints that have been ruled against them (for more information, refer to 'Expert Witness Psychology: Tips on Choosing the Good Psychotherapist'). If you're being assessed by a psychologist then it's very important to give them all the details they require to make an accurate assessment. If you are seeing the child alone they might require a few days or hours with you. They will also likely require access to your GP's general medical records (with your consent). It is vital to remain calm, relaxed and courteous during the assessment. Social services have instructed the psychologist to find any evidence that suggests you are not an appropriate parent. Don't give the psychologist ammunition to use against yourself. This is particularly important in the case of the child psychologist because they may be more likely to be biased in their findings.