What to Expect From a Private Psychological Assessment
5.2.6
It is crucial that the expert witness you choose to hire is registered with the HCPC if you need a psychological evaluation of yourself, an ex-partner or a minor. You should also check whether they belong to the British Psychological Society.
Your solicitor or barrister may be able to recommend a psychologist that they have worked with previously and respect. It is worthwhile to check the HCPC Register to check their qualifications and specializations.
Psychiatrists
Private psychiatric evaluations are not just more convenient and faster than waiting to be seen by the local mental health services, but also allow you to select the psychiatrist who is best suited to meet your needs. You can also collaborate with your psychiatrist on a treatment plan that may include therapy or medication.
In a private evaluation in a private assessment, you will have a meeting with a specialist psychiatrist who will ask questions about your medical history, symptoms and feelings, and any experiences or events that could have influenced your mental health. During the session your psychiatrist will also conduct tests to test your cognitive functions. These can include simple tests such as remembering short lists, recognising shapes or solving problems. These tests are conducted in a a relaxed and comfortable environment and your therapist will be available to answer any questions you may have.
If you have a private medical insurance policy your doctor will discuss whether or not you should undergo additional medical tests in order to get an accurate picture of your condition. They will also discuss the cost of any medical tests for which private insurance are suggested. You will then be able to decide if you want to have the tests performed by your GP, or privately.
During the examination, your psychiatrist will also be on the lookout for indications of suicidal behavior. If they discover any indication of suicide risk, the psychiatrist will recommend immediate action. This could involve sectioning you under 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 are unaware that a psychiatric evaluation is covered by a variety of private medical insurance plans. independent psychiatric assessment is more likely that people with high-deductible insurance plans need this type assessment. This is why it's crucial to research the various options to find the best price. Some providers offer a discounted rate for new patients. Other providers offer free or reduced psychiatric assessment. Additionally, some health plans offer an option for telehealth that lets you connect with a psychiatrist via video conference.
Counsellors
Counsellors work with a range of emotional issues, such as relationships and mental health. They help clients recognize and manage their issues and come up with practical solutions to address them. They also assist with self-esteem and strategies for dealing with stress. Some counsellors specialize in certain clients, such as children or the elderly. The majority of counsel psychologists are employed by the NHS. However they also offer private therapy or run their own practice. Some specialize in a particular area of the field, for instance, post-traumatic stress disorder.
You will require a degree with an emphasis on research in psychology. You will also require extensive training to become a counseling psychologist. Some courses accept a 2:2 diploma however, others require a higher level and relevant work experience. Once qualified, you can apply to be a member of the HCPC register. You will also have to find a supervisor on the BPS Register of Applied Psychological Practice Supervisors who will supervise and support you as you develop your abilities.
Clinical and counselling psychologists routinely deal with both child and adult mental health, carrying out assessment, diagnosis and therapy. They may also be involved in Family Justice Court cases, looking at the mental health of parents to determine if they are able to be parents to their children.
A counsellor can provide you with a confidential platform to discuss your concerns with someone who is trained in listening and helping you understand the situation better. A counsellor isn't involved in your decision-making process and will be more unbiased than an acquaintance. They may also provide suggestions on how to proceed.
Make sure you check whether a counsellor is registered with the HCPC. There is a searchable listing of psychologists on this site which can be filtered by the area of specialization and the clients. It is also possible to verify that they hold an active GMC license to practice in the UK. You should also check that they don't have any complaints or disciplinary background with the BPS. Ask the psychologist about their experiences in prior cases and what they thought of their reports.
Clinical Psychologists
A private psychologist assessment typically includes one or more face-to session with a person. It will include psychological tests that are questionnaires designed to detect mental disorder or personality disorders. These tests may be used to check whether a person has a condition such as a phobia, depression or bipolar disorder. These tests can also be used to assess the individual's IQ as certain personality traits are associated with low IQ.
The person who is conducting the psychological assessment will need to be certified. It is essential to find a professional with experience of carrying out medical-legal assessments as well as appearing in court. This is because if they don't have this experience, their report may not be considered to be reliable by the courts. They may not be able to present a clear and convincing argument in court, or not have the right information, which could impact the outcome.
A professional who is an active member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists will have the letters MRCPsych after their name. This means they are registered medical doctors and have specialized training in psychiatry. They can provide a full diagnosis and prescribe medications. They may also refer the patient to a different specialist. A psychiatrist can aid patients suffering from mental health issues.
In family cases the psychologist will usually conduct a capacity to parenting assessment. This will determine if the person is mentally able to take care of their children and making their own decisions. The psychologist must be aware of the child's behavior and requirements. They should also be able to comprehend the dynamics of families and relationships.
It is also important to make sure that the psychologist has the right experience to conduct a capacity to parent assessment. This includes being a clinical psychologist or counseling psychologist. They should have experience of working with the family court, and must be an active member of the British Psychological Society. You can find a suitable psychologist by asking your solicitor or barrister for a recommendation. They will be able to tell which psychologists are well-respected and have expertise in family law. They can also check the HCPC register to see whether the psychologist has ever had complaints against them.
Child Psychologists
5.2.6 Psychologists are also instructed to carry out psychological assessments of children who are the focus of family court proceedings. These can be used by the judge to understand the child's behavior or suggest therapy or assistance for the child or their parents. They can be expensive - several thousand pounds and may require to be paid for by the Guardian-ad-Litem or parents.
It is very important to choose a qualified psychologist. Your solicitor or barrister might be able to suggest someone they have worked with and who they respect. If they have not worked with them before, you can learn about their expertise qualifications, experience and expertise by examining the HCPC Register. There have been some concerns about the quality of evidence from experts in the field in recent times, therefore it is important to check whether they have a history of a complaint that was subsequently affirmed against them (for more details, see 'Expert Witness Psychology: Tips for Finding a Good Psychotherapist').
If you're being evaluated by a psychologist, it's very important to give them all the information they require to do an accurate assessment. That will mean that they'll need to spend hours or even days with you and the child if they're assessed by a psychologist on their own. They will also likely require access to your GP's general medical records (with your consent).
It is essential to be calm, relaxed, and respectful throughout the process. The psychologist has been directed by social services to look for every evidence they can to prove you aren't a good parent So don't give them a reason to use against you. This is particularly important if you're visiting psychologists for children, as their report may be biased.