Patient FAQs
How do I get an appointment?
You will normally need to be referred via your GP, Consultant, Solicitor, Insurance Company or your employer's Occupational Health Officer. They will make the referral to us and you will be contacted with an appointment via the telephone and/or letter. You can make direct contact with us to discuss the best option in your particular case.
How much will it cost me?
Fees are charged on an hourly basis and will depend on which practitioner you are seeing, and you will be fully informed of the applicable rate, prior to any consultation.
Will my private health insurance cover payment?
Our practitioners are registered with many of the health insurance providers, e.g. BUPA, PPP etc. However, you will need to check with your provider to establish what level of cover you have for psychological treatment.
What times and days are available for appointments?
We are open Monday to Saturday and offer appointments between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. However, certain practitioners only see patients on particular days of the week so you will need to check their availability.
How many appointments will I need?
After an initial assessment your practitioner will discuss a treatment plan with you. As every case is different there is not just one answer, some conditions can be treated within one or two sessions whilst others may require several months of treatment. You will always be informed of your progress and always remain free to discontinue treatment at any time you wish.
Do I always have to attend at the same time/day?
Many people prefer a regular time/day as it fits in with their other commitments. We do try to accommodate this as far as possible, however we may not always be able to offer the appointment time requested.
Will you write to anybody about my treatment?
We normally write to the person who referred you to keep them informed of the treatment you are receiving and your progress. However, if you have any objections to this we are happy to respect this as long as we are not in breach of our professional codes of conduct.
Will the content of my sessions remain confidential?
All our practitioners are bound by their Codes of Conduct and Ethics with regard to confidentiality. Should there ever be a need to share information with others, it would only be given with your consent. We will not breach your confidentiality in any way unless there is a serious issue of risk to yourself or others.
Will you inform anybody about any criminal activity I may disclose?
We are bound by our Code of Conduct to inform the relevant bodies of any serious criminal activity that is divulged to us during the course of your treatment.
Can I withdraw from treatment part way through?
You are free to stop at any point during your treatment at no cost to yourself. However, if you cancel with less than 48 hours notice there may be a charge for that session.
What do I do if I am unhappy with the treatment or have a complaint?
If you have any concerns about your treatment we would advise that you first discuss your concerns with your practitioner. If you are unable to resolve the difficulty then please bring your concerns to the attention of the appropriate Professional Registration bodies.
How do I know the person I am to see is qualified enough to help me?
All our clinical practitioners have to have met the required training standard within their profession and meet the criteria of their regulatory bodies. Our psychologists are all qualified to the level of Doctor of Clinical Psychology and are registered with the British Psychological Society and the Health Professions Council. Our Cognitive Behaviour Therapists are registered with the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapists, and our Counsellors with the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy.
Will the person I see tell me what treatment to expect?
At your initial appointment your problems will be discussed and the type of treatment that is deemed most appropriate and the course that will take, will be agreed with you. You will be kept informed at all times and are welcome to ask for clarification at any point.
Can I bring a friend or partner with me?
Many people bring someone along with them for support, particularly on their first visit or until they feel comfortable. If it is appropriate you may wish them to join you during your consultation, but quite often they wait in a separate waiting room allowing you the time and space to talk freely to your practitioner.