I offer specialist clinical psychology services for children, young people, adults, and families, including:

• therapy

• parent consultation and recommendations

• clinical assessment, formulation and recommendations packages

• ADHD assessments

• autism (ASD) assessments

• combined ASD + ADHD assessments

• learning needs and neuropsychological assessments (quoted separately)

• medico-legal and Court of Protection (COP) report work

What is the difference between a Clinical Psychologist versus other professionals such as a a Psychotherapist, and Psychiatrist?

Please note, this is not an exhaustive list, other relevant and registered professionals inc counsellors can also be helpful depending on the individual’s needs. Different professions have different training backgrounds and offer different types of support.

Clinical Psychologist

A Clinical Psychologist is trained to doctoral level in psychological assessment, formulation, and therapy.

Clinical Psychologists typically work with:

• emotional and behavioural difficulties

• trauma

• anxiety / low mood

• complex or overlapping presentations

• neurodevelopmental differences (e.g., autism / ADHD)

They may also provide:

• specialist assessments

• formulation and recommendations

• reports

• consultation with parents, schools, or professionals

Clinical psychologists do not prescribe medication (unless in a specific additional prescribing role, which is uncommon in the UK).

Psychotherapist

A Psychotherapist is trained to provide therapy (talking therapy), often within one or more therapeutic models.

Psychotherapists can be highly skilled and effective, particularly for:

• emotional difficulties

• relationship issues

• life stress

• trauma

• self-esteem and personal development work

Their training route and qualifications can vary depending on:

• their professional background

• the type of therapy they practise

• their accrediting body

Psychotherapists do not usually provide diagnostic assessment in the way a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist might, and they do not prescribe medication.

Psychiatrist

A Psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specialises in mental health.

Psychiatrists are trained in:

• mental health diagnosis

• medical assessment

• risk assessment

• medication prescribing and review

• understanding how physical health and mental health interact

Psychiatrists may be particularly helpful when:

• medication is being considered

• symptoms are severe, acute, or complex

• there are significant risk concerns

• a medical opinion is needed alongside psychological support

Some psychiatrists also provide therapy, but many focus mainly on assessment, diagnosis, and medication management.

Which is “best”?

It is not usually about one being “better” — it is about what kind of help you need.

A Clinical Psychologist may be a good fit if you want:

• in-depth psychological understanding (formulation)

• therapy plus assessment/recommendations

• support with complex or overlapping difficulties

• neurodevelopmental assessment / consultation

A Psychotherapist may be a good fit if you want:

• regular talking therapy

• support with emotional or relational difficulties

• a particular therapy approach (depending on their training)

A Psychiatrist may be a good fit if you want:

• a medical assessment

• diagnostic clarification from a medical specialist

• advice about medication

• support with more severe or complex mental health presentations

Do people ever work with more than one professional?

Yes — quite often.

For example, someone might:

• see a psychiatrist for medication review,

• work with a clinical psychologist for assessment and formulation,

• and/or have ongoing therapy with a psychotherapist.

The best support plan depends on the person’s needs, goals, and circumstances.

Fees in private practice vary widely depending on the professional’s training, experience, and the type of work being offered.

As a Clinical Psychologist, my fees reflect:

• doctoral-level training in psychological assessment, formulation, and therapy

• experience working with complex, overlapping, or longstanding difficulties

• the ability to provide formulation-led work (not only symptom-focused therapy)

• experience working across systems (for example with parents, schools, and professionals where appropriate)

• specialist knowledge in areas such as neurodevelopmental differences (e.g., autism/ADHD), trauma, and complex presentations

• the cost of regular ongoing supervision with consultant level clinical psychologists; access to regular continuing professional development; registration fees; clinical material insurance and room hire.

Many therapists and psychotherapists provide excellent support, and lower-cost therapy can absolutely be the right fit for some people. My service is designed for those seeking specialist clinical psychology input, particularly where difficulties are more complex, longstanding, or unclear.

If you are unsure what level of support is most appropriate, I am happy to help you think this through.

Our assessments are privately funded and priced to reflect the time, clinical expertise, and report quality involved.

Current fees

• ADHD assessment: £800

• Autism (ASD) assessment: £2,250

• Combined ASD + ADHD assessment: £2,950

Why is there such a difference in cost?

Autism assessments are typically more time-intensive than ADHD assessments. They often involve a longer developmental history, broader assessment of social communication and behaviour across contexts, and more extensive formulation/report writing.

Combined ASD + ADHD assessments are priced higher because they involve a more comprehensive process across both neurodevelopmental questions, but they can also provide a more joined-up understanding where there is overlap.

How do private assessments compare to NHS assessments?

The NHS can provide very good assessments, and for some families it may be the most appropriate route.

This may be especially true where:

• there are wider paediatric / medical needs

• there are multiple professionals involved

• a child needs input within a broader NHS paediatric or community pathway

• ongoing multidisciplinary follow-up is likely to be important

The main difficulty for many families is that waiting times can be long, which can delay clarity and support.

How do private assessments compare to Right to Choose (RTC)?

Right to Choose (RTC) can also be a very good option for many people. It can improve access and reduce costs to the family, and for some clients it is absolutely the right route.

In some cases, RTC assessments may be more streamlined or briefer, depending on the provider and pathway. That does not automatically mean they are poor quality, but the format may feel more standardised or time-limited.

What is different about your private assessments?

Our service is designed as a premium local option for families and adults who want a more personalised, thorough assessment process.

We are local clinicians offering:

• more time to understand the full picture

• a more individualised, formulation-led approach

• careful consideration of overlapping needs and differential explanations

• high-quality written reports and feedback

• a personable service with continuity and local knowledge

For many people, that extra time and quality is the reason they choose a private assessment with us. For others, NHS or RTC may be the better fit depending on needs, budget, and circumstances.

How do I know which route is right for me?

There is no one “best” route for everyone.

A private assessment may be a good fit if you are looking for:

• faster access

• more time and a more tailored process

• a local clinician-led experience

• detailed feedback and recommendations

NHS or RTC may be a better fit if:

• cost is a major factor

• you are happy to wait

• there are broader paediatric/medical needs

If you are unsure, feel free to get in touch and we can help you think through the most appropriate option.