What to Expect From a Private Psychological Assessment
5.2.6
If you require an assessment of your psychological health or your ex-partner, or even a child, it is essential that the professional witness you choose to hire is HCPC certified. Also, make sure whether they are members of the British Psychological Society.
Your barrister or solicitor may be able to recommend a Psychologist whom they have worked with previously and respect. It is worthwhile to check the HCPC Register to check their qualifications and specializations.
Psychiatrists
Private psychiatric assessments are not only quicker and more efficient than waiting for an appointment with the local mental health services however, they also allow you to select the right psychiatrist for your needs. Additionally, you will be able to collaborate with your doctor to come up with an effective treatment plan, which could include medication or therapy.
During a private assessment you will be able to meet with an expert psychiatrist who will ask questions about your medical history, current symptoms, feelings and experiences that could have impacted your mental health. During the session your psychiatrist will also conduct tests to evaluate your cognitive functions. These can include simple tests such as recollecting short lists, recognizing shapes or solving problems. These tests are conducted in a relaxed and comfortable environment and your therapist will take the time to answer any questions you have.
If you have private health insurance, your psychiatrist can discuss with you if you should have additional medical tests to gain a better understanding of your health. They will also explain any fees for private medical tests recommended. You may then wish to have the tests carried out by your GP or request them privately.
During the assessment your doctor will pay close attention to any signs of suicidal behavior. If they discover any indication of suicide risk, your psychiatrist will advise immediate action. This could include sectioning you under the Mental Health Act. If this isn't feasible the psychiatrist will refer you to a different healthcare professional who can offer an appropriate care package.
Many people don't know that some private medical insurance policies will cover an evaluation of psychiatric disorders. It is more likely that those with high-deductible insurance plans will need this type assessment. This is why it is important to research the various options to find the best price. Some companies offer a discounted cost for new patients, while others offer free or discounted psychiatric assessments. Certain health plans provide an option for telehealth that lets you to video conference with a psychiatrist.
Counsellors
Counselors address a broad range of emotional issues such as relationship and mental health issues. Counsellors help clients recognize their issues, address them and find practical solutions. They can also help with self-esteem and strategies for dealing with stress. Some counsellors specialize in particular client groups, such as children or older people. Counselling psychologists are mostly employed by the NHS However, some offer private services or run their own practices. Some specialize in a particular area, such as posttraumatic stress disorder.
You will require a degree that includes a strong element of research in psychology. You will also require extensive training to become a counselor psychologist. Some courses accept a 2:2 degree while others require a higher level and relevant work experience. After you have been certified, you can apply to 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 be able to supervise and help you as you develop your abilities.
Psychologists who are clinical and counseling deal with both child and adult mental health, completing assessments, 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 offer you a confidential platform to discuss your concerns with someone who has been trained in listening and assisting you to understand the situation better. A counsellor isn't involved in your decision-making process and will be more impartial than an acquaintance. They may also provide advice on how to proceed.
When choosing a counsellor be sure that they are registered with the HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council). There is a searchable list of psychologists on this site that can be filtered by the area of specialization and the clients. You can also check that they are licensed by the GMC licence to practise in the UK. It is also important to ensure that they do not have a disciplinary or complaints background with the BPS (British Psychological Society). Ask the psychologist about their experience in the past cases and what they thought of their findings.
Clinical Psychologists
A private psychologist assessment usually includes one or more face to meeting sessions. Psychological tests are questionnaires designed to detect mental psychiatric assessment form disorders or personality disorders. These tests can be used to determine if a person is suffering from a disease like bipolar disorder. These tests can also be used to test the individual's IQ, since certain personality traits are associated with low IQ.
The person conducting the psychological assessment must be licensed. It is crucial to choose a professional who has experience of carrying out medical-legal assessments as well as appearing in court. If they don't have this experience, then their reports may not be taken seriously. They may not be able to present a clear and convincing argument in court, or miss important information which could affect the outcome.
A professional who is an active member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists will have the letters MRCPsych following their name. This means they are a registered medical doctor and have received specialist training in psychotherapy. They can provide a full diagnosis and prescribe medication. Additionally, they are able to refer the patient to other specialists. A psychiatrist can aid patients suffering from mental health issues.
In family cases the psychologist who is working with the family often conducts an assessment of the capacity to parent. This will determine if the parent is mentally capable of taking care of their children and making decisions on their behalf. The psychologist will need to know the child's needs as well as the way they behave. They should also have a good understanding of family dynamics and relationships.
It is also important to make sure that the psychologist has the right expertise to conduct a capacity parent assessment. This includes being a clinical psychologist or counselling psychologist. They should have experience of working in the family court and must be a member of the British Psychological Society. You can find a suitable psychologist by asking your solicitor or barrister to refer you. They will be able to tell which psychologists have a positive reputation and have experience in family law. You can also look through the HCPC's register to see whether the psychologist has been accused of any crime.
Child Psychologists
5.2.6 Psychologists are also asked to conduct psychological assessments for children involved in family court proceedings. These assessments can be used by the judge to comprehend the child's behavior or suggest therapy or support for that child or their parents. They can be extremely expensive, ranging from several thousand pounds and may have to be financed by the parents or Guardian-ad-Litem.
It is very important to choose a qualified psychologist. Your solicitor or barrister might be able of recommending someone they have worked with and respect. If they haven't yet, you can look up the HCPC Register to find out more about their specialisms and their qualifications. There have been some concerns over the quality of expert psychological evidence in recent times, therefore it is important to check whether they have any records of a complaint that was subsequently affirmed against them (for more details, see 'Expert Witness Psychology: Tips for Finding the Good Psychotherapist').
It's important to provide all the details needed by a psychologist to be able to make a correct assessment. This means that they will need to spend hours or even days with you and your 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 permission).
It is crucial to remain calm, relaxed, and respectful throughout the assessment. The psychologist is directed by social services to find all the evidence that can show you are not a suitable parent, so don't provide them with ammunition to use against you. This is especially important if you're visiting a child psychology specialist, as their report may be biased.