With children and young people, the psychiatrist will usually meet with the parent /carer(s) and the child or young person together for the first appointment, and time permitting, will also see the child/young person alone. Following this, depending on the patient's individual needs, the psychiatrist may advise a further appointment to meet with the parent/carer(s) without their child present or to meet with the child /young person individually.
Some parent/carer(s) prefer to meet with the psychiatrist for the first appointment alone, without the young person present, and this may be possible, please state this preference when booking the first appointment.
Often, the psychiatrist will also need to contact the child’s school to gather more information to help complete the assessment and both parents and teachers may be asked to fill in questionnaires.
During the assessment concerns will be discussed and on completion a recommended treatment plan and report will be provided. In some instances, for example where ADHD or Autism are being considered, additional specialised assessments may be recommended.
For adults, the psychiatrist will meet with the patient either face to face or remotely. They may request the name of an informant to provide supporting information but will not contact them without your permission.
The first appointment lasts up to 70 minutes and follow up appointments up to 40 minutes. These are conducted via face-to-face review in clinic or secure video consultation. Telephone consultations can also be arranged.