Question 1

How long can an initial appointment take?

Accepted Answer

An ADHD Assessment can take up to 2 -2.5 hours to complete (not including checking forms or speaking to the SENCO / classroom teachers)
An initial  Child Developmental History usually takes between 1.5 hours to 2 hours.
An Autism Assessment consist of 3 parts with a total of up to 6 - 7 hours.
(CDH + ADI + ADOS)

Question 2

What happens during the appointment?

Accepted Answer

A complete history is taken which is necessary to gain a full idea of the young persons difficulties.
Occasionally a physical examination may be necessary and further investigations like blood tests  may be recommended.

Question 3

What happens at the end of the assessment?

Accepted Answer

I give you my view as to whether I feel your child has ADHD or not as long as I have all the information from yourself and school (if applicable).

For an Autism assessment, I will not be able to give you my impression immediately as the ADI scores need to be evaluated against the ADOS.

Question 4

Will school be informed?

Accepted Answer

There will be no contact with  school without your permission. However in some instances a full assessment cannot be completed without contacting school teachers or the SENCO.

Question 5

Is there a complaints policy?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If you are not happy then the first step is to discuss the problem with me to see if it can be resolved.

If you are still not happy then you can seek advice from the Independent Doctors Federation via:
https://www.idf.co.uk/patients/patient-complaints.aspx

Question 6

Will the GP be made aware?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a copy of the assessment letter will be sent to the GP. This is necessary as your GP may be asked to undertake investigations or make referrals to other specialists.

Question 7

What is the cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

If an appointment is cancelled with 48 hours notice then there is a full refund. Within the 48 hour period then there is no refund as it means another family and young person cannot be seen in that appointment slot.

Question 8

How do you take payments?

Accepted Answer

Payment will be required before each appointment. This will via bank transfer.

Question 9

Are payments from insurance companies accepted?

Accepted Answer

Not for the time being.

Question 10

What is the age range of young people normally seen?

Accepted Answer

For ADHD assessments, the age range is normally 6-17 but in some severe cases, the lower age range can be 4-5.

For ASD assessments, the age range is 3-17.

Question 11

What is the difference between a Psychiatrist and a Clinical Psychologist?

Accepted Answer

A psychiatrist has graduated from medical school, completed at least 6 months within surgery and 6 months within medicine before spending approximately 6 years of psychiatry training before becoming a Consultant. They are trained to diagnose mental health problems, recognise medical health problems, they can administer therapies, and can recommend / prescribe medication.

Psychologists have a degree in psychology. Chartered Clinical Psychologists are not usually medically-trained, but have undertaken a long and robust training following their psychology degree. They are primarily concerned with the study of how people think, act, react and interact. 
Both Psychiatrists and Psychologists share the same aim of wanting to help people. 
 
If Dr Mahendra feels you would benefit from a psychological assessment then he will provide advice on this.

Question 12

How long do i have to wait for an appointment?

Accepted Answer

At the moment Dr Mahendra  is able to see the young person and family within a month or two.

UK Private Child Psychiatrist

Frequently asked questions