General Adult Psychiatry

For many people seeing a psychiatrist may feel daunting at first but a comprehensive assessment can be a very timely and effective way of understanding your difficulties and the options you have for moving forwards. We can help you start to find answers to such common questions as:

“Why do I find relationships so difficult?”

“Why do I always seem to underachieve?”

“Everyone thinks I’m successful but they don’t know how I really feel”

They are many treatment options from which to choose: psychological interventions, self-help approaches as well as medication. Knowing the full menu helps you decide on a way that suits you best. There is even emerging evidence to show that patients respond better to the treatment they choose.

The assessment itself will find out about you, who you are, your values and beliefs and how life has been for you. We will also take a thorough medical history to exclude the possibility that your symptoms have a physical cause. The assessment will also look not only at your difficulties but consider your strengths. With all of this information we can help you understand yourself and your difficulties better before looking at how you can move forwards. You will receive a comprehensive report and treatment plan outlining our discussions.

Sometimes you may be in a very chaotic and stressful period in your life. You may not be ready to engage in the psychological treatment you need. Families are often very concerned. This is not uncommon. A few appointments with a psychiatrist can help guide you through this period so you feel supported until able to work psychologically with a therapist. More intensive telephone and email support can be provided subject to mutual agreement. However, if we think the NHS or private in-patient care is best for you, we’ll advise you of that.