1. What's the difference between a psychiatrist, a psychologist and a psychotherapist?
2. How long does the process take?
3. Is it confidential?
4. What does it cost?
5. Is there a cancellation policy?
6. Where are you located and how can I get there?
1. What's the difference between a psychiatrist, a psychologist and a psychotherapist?
This kind of question comes up so often - and no wonder, when we all seem to do such similar jobs. But the differences are actually fairly simple: Psychiatrists are medical doctors - psychologists are not, and so while psychiatrists can prescribe medication, psychologists cannot.
Although both can assess, diagnose and recommend treatment for mental, emotional and behavioural difficulties, only a psychiatrist would prescribe medication for a psychological problem. A Clinical Psychologist is trained in formal clinical assessment of psychological difficulties and attributes (often using standardised tests and measures). Our aim is to use scientific research to help people with their problems, and to promote well-being. We are trained to provide both psychological assessment and various types of psychotherapy. We like to look at the 'big picture' and can combine short- and long-term approaches into a comprehensive treatment plan. We often work hand-in-hand with psychiatrists, and other specialists, such as occupational therapists and speech and language therapists.
A psychotherapist is someone who is trained to give talking therapy, such as CBT, Play Therapy or Psychodynamic Psychotherapy. This could be a registered psychotherapist, a psychologist or a psychiatrist. It could also be a clinical nurse specialist or another mental health professional who has been trained in psychotherapy. In the UK, the titles of 'Psychiatrist', 'Psychologist' and 'Registered Psychotherapist' are protected titles, meaning that anyone using one of these is required to be registered with a regulatory body such as the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), the British Psychological Society (BPS), the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) or the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).
2. How long does the process take?
This depends on what has brought you to see me, and what goals you have in mind. If you're worried about time or cost constraints, talk to me about them and let's see how we can work together.
For formal assessment of a child for a diagnosis, a minimum of three meetings is required (a background session, a testing session and a feedback session). For comprehensive assessments, more than one testing session may be required.
For psychotherapy, I will always use the first session to assess the best treatment approach for you, and give you an idea of the time frame. Many clients opt to continue for longer than they originally planned, because they are finding therapy useful and supportive - this is fine too.
However, you are free to terminate at any point in the process. (Please note I have a cancellation policy.)
3. Is it confidential?
Yes. This is essential to build a trusted working alliance between us.
What's more, the ethical standards set out by the HCPC require this, with a few rare exceptions usually pertaining to safeguarding and risk. To protect confidentiality it is also best not to email me highly confidential details or details about your psychotherapy - rather speak to me in person or on the phone.
To further protect confidentiality and the professionalism of our work, I do not use social media to send or receive messages from clients.
4. What does it cost?
Initial 15-min telephone consultation: free
Psychotherapy:
£120 per 50-minute session
Home or school visits:
£150 per 50-minute session (incl. travel costs if out of borough)
5. Is there a cancellation policy?
Yes. Unfortunately I have to charge for sessions not cancelled 24 hours in advance, because I will have allocated that time to you.
6. Where are you located and how can I get there?
Sessions for children and adolescents can be held on-line or face-to-face at:
Hopetree Clinic
2 Deanhill Road
East Sheen
SW14 7DF
Sessions for adults are held on-line or by telephone.
