What to Expect From a Private Psychological Assessment
5.2.6
It is important that the expert witness who you hire is HCPC-registered if you require a psychological examination of yourself, a former partner or a minor. It is also advisable to confirm that they are members of the British Psychological Society.
Your solicitor or barrister might be able to recommend a psychologist whom they have worked with previously and have respect for. However, it's always worth checking the HCPC register to find out their specialisms and qualifications.
Psychiatrists
Private psychiatric evaluations are not only more convenient and faster than waiting for an appointment with the local mental health services, but also allow you to select the psychiatrist that is the most suitable to meet your needs. You can also collaborate with your doctor on a treatment plan that may include medication or therapy.
In a private evaluation in a private assessment, you will have a meeting with a specialist consultant psychiatrist, who will ask you questions about your medical history, your current symptoms and emotions, as well as any other events or experiences that may have had a bearing on your mental health. During the appointment your psychiatrist will conduct a series of tests to test your cognitive functions. These could include tests such as recollecting short lists, recognising shapes or solving problems. These tests are conducted comfortably and in an atmosphere that is comfortable. Your psychiatrist will be able answer any questions you have.
If you have private medical insurance Your psychiatrist will determine whether or not you should undergo additional medical tests in order to get more comprehensive information about your condition. They will also provide the costs associated with private medical tests suggested. You can then have the tests carried out by your GP or arrange for them privately.
During the examination your psychiatrist will be attentive to any indications of suicidal behavior. If the psychiatrist detects signs of suicide risk, they will suggest immediate action. This could mean sectioning you under Mental Health Act. If this isn't possible the psychiatrist will refer you on to a healthcare professional who can offer a suitable care package.
Many people are unaware that a psychiatric assessment is covered by some private medical insurance plans. Patients who have high-deductible plans are more likely to need this type of examination, which is why it is important to compare prices to find the best price. Some providers offer a reduced rate for new patients, while others offer free or reduced psychiatric evaluation. Additionally, certain health plans feature a telehealth option that allows you to connect with a psychiatrist via video conference.
Counsellors
Counselors address a broad range of emotional issues including relationship and mental health issues. They help clients recognize and address their issues and develop practical ways to deal with them. They also assist with self-esteem and coping strategies. Certain counsellors are specialized in specific client groups, such as children or those who are elderly. The majority of counselling psychologists work for the NHS. However they also offer private therapy or have their own practice. Some psychologists may specialize in a particular area, like posttraumatic stress disorder.
To become a psychologist who counsels you will need a degree in psychology that usually includes a strong research component as well as be required to complete an extensive course of study. Some courses require a 2:2 degree however others require higher grades as well as relevant work experience. After you have been certified, you can apply to join the HCPC register. You'll also need to find a supervisor who is coordinating on the BPS Register of Applied Psychological Practice Supervisors who will oversee your education and provide assistance as you develop your skills and understanding.
Psychologists working in the field of counselling and clinical work regularly with children and adults mental health, providing assessment, diagnosis, and therapy. They are also involved in Family Justice Court cases, looking at the mental health of parents to determine if they have capacity to parent their children.
A counsellor can offer you a confidential platform to discuss your concerns with someone who is trained in listening and helping you understand the issue more clearly. A counsellor is more objective than a friend because they don't have any stake in the outcome of your decision. They can also give advice on how to proceed.
Make sure you check whether a counsellor is registered with the HCPC. There is a searchable list of psychiatric assessment online psychologists on this site that can be filtered according to specialism and clientele. 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 don't have any complaints or disciplinary background with the BPS (British Psychological Society). If a Psychologist is recommended by a solicitor or barrister it is a good idea to ask them about their experience and the quality of their reports in past cases.
Clinical Psychologists
A private psychologist assessment usually includes one or more face-to face sessions. It will include psychological tests, which are questionnaires designed to identify mental illness or personality disorders. These tests can be used to determine if someone is suffering from a condition like a phobia, bipolar disorder or depression. They can also be used to assess the level of intelligence a person has, as certain personality traits are related to low IQ.
The person conducting the psychological examination must be licensed. It is crucial to find a professional with experience in performing medico-legal assessments and attending court. If they don't have this expertise and their reports aren't credible, they might not be considered as credible. They may not be able to give clear evidence in court, or they could not have the right information, which could impact the outcome.
The letters MRCPsych will appear after the name of the professional who is an Royal College of Psychiatrists member. This indicates that they are a registered medical doctor and have specialized training in the field of psychiatry. They are able to provide a comprehensive diagnosis and prescribe medications. Additionally, they can refer the patient to other specialists. A psychiatrist can help those suffering from mental health issues.
In family situations the psychologist who is working with the family will often perform a capacity to parenting assessment. This will determine whether the person is mentally capable of taking care of their children and making decisions for them. The psychologist must know the child's needs as well as the way they behave. They must also be able to comprehend family dynamics and relationships.
It is essential to ensure that the psychologist has the expertise to conduct an assessment of the parent's capabilities. This includes being a counsellor or a clinical psychologist. They must have experience working with the family court and must be a member of the British Psychological Society. It is possible to locate an appropriate psychologist by asking your lawyer or solicitor for recommendations. They can tell you which psychologists have a great reputation and have experience in family law. They can also look up the on the register of the HCPC to determine if the psychologist has ever been accused of anything.
Child Psychologists
5.2.6 Psychologists may also be 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 therapies or support services for the child or parents. These can be expensive as high as several thousand dollars - and may be billed by parents or Guardian Ad-Litem.
It is vital to select a good psychologist. Your barrister or solicitor may be able recommend someone they have worked with previously and respected. If not worked with them before, you can find out more about their expertise as well as their experience and qualifications by checking the HCPC Register. There are some concerns about the quality of expert psychological evidence in recent times, therefore it is important to check whether they have any history of a complaint that was subsequently affirmed against them (for more details, see "Expert Witness Psychology: Tips for Finding a Good Psychologist').
If you are being assessed by a psychologist then it is essential to provide them all the details they require to make an accurate assessment. If you are seeing the child by yourself they could have to spend a number of days or hours with you. They will probably also require access to your medical records from the GP (with your permission).
It is very important that you remain your cool, relaxed and calm throughout the process of assessment. Social services have instructed the psychologist to discover anything that could indicate that you are not a suitable parent. Don't give the psychologist ammunition to use against yourself. This is especially important if you are seeing a child psychologist as they could be more likely to be biased in their assessment.