What to Expect From a Private Psychological Assessment 5.2.6 It is essential that the expert witness who you hire is HCPC-registered if you require a psychological assessment of yourself, an ex-partner or minors. Also, make sure that they are members of the British Psychological Society. Your solicitor or barrister may be able to recommend a psychologist that they have worked with previously and respected. However, it is always worth checking the HCPC register to see their specialties and credentials. Psychiatrists Private psychiatric assessments are not just faster and more convenient than waiting for an appointment with the local mental health services and let you choose the psychiatrist best suited to your needs. Additionally, you'll be able to collaborate with your psychiatrist to develop an effective treatment plan, which could include medication or therapy. During a private assessment you will see a specialist psychiatrist who will inquire regarding your medical history and current symptoms, emotions, and experiences that may have affected your mental health. During the meeting, your psychiatrist will also perform a series tests to evaluate your cognitive functions. These tests can be straightforward ones, like recalling shapes, making short lists, or solving problems. These tests are conducted in a a relaxed and comfortable environment, and your psychiatrist will be available to answer any questions you may have. If you have a private medical insurance policy, your psychiatrist will discuss whether or not you should undergo additional medical tests to obtain a an accurate picture of your health. They will also outline the costs associated with any medical tests that are recommended. You can then get the tests done by your GP or make arrangements for them privately. During the assessment your psychiatrist will be attentive to any indicators of suicidal behavior. If your psychiatrist discovers signs of suicide risk, they will suggest immediate action. This could include a sectioning you under Mental Health Act. If this isn't an option the psychiatrist will refer you on to a different healthcare professional who can offer a suitable care package. Many people are unaware that a psychiatric assessment is covered by some private medical insurance plans. Patients with high-deductible plans are more likely to require this kind of assessment and that's why it's important to shop around for the most affordable price. Some providers offer a reduced rate for new patients. Other providers offer a free or reduced psychiatric assessments. Certain health plans provide a telehealth feature that allows you video conference with a psychiatrist. Counsellors Counselors deal with a wide variety of emotional issues, including relationship and mental health issues. They help clients identify and manage their issues and devise practical solutions to address the issues. They also help with self-esteem and coping strategies. Some counsellors are able to work with specific groups of clients, such as children or the elderly. Counselling psychologists are mostly employed by the NHS However, some offer private services or have their own practices. Some may specialize in a specific area of the field, like post-traumatic stress disorder. To become a counselling psychologist you'll need a degree in psychology that typically has a strong research element, and you will also need to undergo intensive training. Some programs accept a 2:2 diploma however others require higher grades and work experience. Once you have qualified you are eligible to join the HCPC Register. You'll also need to locate a coordinating supervisor on the BPS Register of Applied Psychological Practice Supervisors who will oversee your training and offer support as you build your skills and understanding. Psychologists in the field of clinical and counselling regularly deal with children and adults mental health, completing assessment, diagnosis and therapy. They can be involved in Family Justice Court proceedings, taking a look at the mental health of parents to determine if they're capable of parenting their children. A counsellor is a qualified professional who can listen to your concerns and help you understand the situation. Counsellors are more objective than a friend as they don't have any stake in the outcome of your choices. They can also offer suggestions on how to move forward. When selecting a counsellor be sure that they are registered with the HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council). This website has an extensive list of psychologists that can be searched by specialization or clientele. You can also verify that they have a valid GMC license to practice in the UK. It is also worth checking that they don't have any disciplinary or complaints history with the BPS (British Psychological Society). If a Psychologist is referred by a solicitor or barrister it is a great idea to ask them about their experience and the quality of their reports in prior cases. Clinical Psychologists A private psychologist test will usually involve one or more face-to-face sessions. It will include psychological tests that are questionnaires designed to identify mental illness or personality disorders. These tests can be used to determine if someone suffers from a disorder such as bipolar or phobia disorder. They can also be used to check the intelligence of a person, since certain personality traits are related to low IQ. The person conducting the psychological assessment should be licensed. It is essential to find a professional with experience of carrying out medico-legal assessments and attending court. If they don't have this expertise and their reports aren't credible, they could not be considered to be reliable. They might not be able to give an accurate and convincing argument in court or miss important information that could affect the outcome of the case. A professional who is a member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists will have the letters MRCPsych after their name. This means they are registered medical doctors and have specialized training in psychotherapy. They can provide a full diagnosis and prescribe medication. They can also refer the patient to a different specialist. If the patient suffers from a mental health condition psychiatrists can help to overcome it. In family situations the psychologist will usually conduct an assessment of parenting capacity. This will determine whether the person is mentally able to take charge of their children and making their own decisions. The psychologist will need to know the child's needs as well as how they behave. They also have to be aware of the dynamics of families and relationships. It is also important to make sure that the psychologist has the right expertise to conduct a capacity to parent assessment. This includes being a counselling or clinical psychologist. They should have experience working with family courts and be a British Psychological Society member. You can locate a suitable psychologist by asking your barrister or solicitor for a referral. full psychiatric assessment can tell you which psychologists are highly regarded and have experience in family law. They can also look up the HCPC register to determine whether the psychologist has had any prior complaints against them. Child Psychologists 5.2.6 Psychologists can also be asked to conduct psychological assessments of children who are the subject of family court proceedings. These assessments can be used by the judge to comprehend a child’s behaviour or recommend therapy or assistance for the child or their parents. They can be costly - up to several thousand dollars - and may have to be paid by the parents or Guardian Ad-Litem. It is crucial to choose a qualified psychologist. Your barrister or solicitor may be able to recommend someone they have worked with and who they respect. If they don't yet, you can look up the HCPC Register to find out more about their specialties and their qualifications. There have been some concerns over the quality of the evidence provided by experts in recent times, therefore, it is worthwhile to determine whether they have a history of complaints that have been ruled against them (for more details, see 'Expert Witness Psychology: Tips for Finding a Good Psychologist'). It is essential to provide all the data required by a psychologist in order for an accurate assessment. If you're seeing the child alone they could require a few hours or days with you. They may also require access to your GP's general medical records (with your permission). It is very important that you remain calm, relaxed and courteous during the evaluation. Social services have instructed the psychologist to find anything that will show you are not an appropriate parent. Don't give the psychologist ammunition to use against yourself. This is particularly important when you're seeing an child psychologist, as they are more likely to be biased in their findings.
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