Clinical Work

Mental Health Assessment and Treatment

I provide general mental health assessments where there are concerns that a child or adolescent may be experiencing difficulties with low mood and/or anxiety difficulties, including OCD. I am also happy to help patients/their families and other professionals by providing a second opinion where there is a high degree of complexity.

I assess and treat children aged 6-17 years (until their 18th birthday).

I can provide treatment, where indicated, following an assessment. I will make recommendations if I feel that alternative therapies are indicated, for example, psychological therapy. I will also consider wider recommendations if I feel that other forms of support may be relevant in supporting a child and their family.

Autism and ADHD Assessments

I provide both autism and ADHD assessments. In both cases, an initial clinical assessment takes place in the first instance.

If I do not feel that a full assessment with regard to either autism or ADHD is required, I will write a report outlining my opinion.

If further assessment is required, the cost of the initial assessment appointment is part of the total assessment cost as it is part of the full assessment.

Autism Assessments

The autism assessments are multidisciplinary in nature. If a full assessment is indicated following the initial clinical assessment appointment, this will involve:

  • a detailed interview with parents/guardians (ADI-R). This typically lasts approx 2.5-3 hours.

  • an ADOS assessment (the child/young person takes part in this part of the assessment). This lasts approximately 1 hour.

  • I will seek consent from the young person/their parents/guardians to speak to a professional from their school.

  • a feedback session with the child and parents/guardians is arranged

  • a detailed report is completed

ADHD assessments

If a full ADHD assessment is indicated after the initial clinical assessment appointment, this will involve:

  • a detailed interview with parents to gather developmental history (typically 1.5-2 hours)

  • I will seek consent to speak with the child’s school myself to gather information (if consent is not given for me to contact the child’s school, I will not be able to complete an ADHD assessment)

  • Questionnaires are sent to parents and school to be completed

  • QbCheck assessment - the young person completes this

  • A feedback appointment is arranged with the child and parent

  • A detailed assessment report is completed