The structure of the initial clinical assessment
At CCP we are aware that children, young people and their families often present in distress at times of crisis and require a prompt, flexible and sympathetic assessment, quickly leading to a comprehensive and realistic treatment plan which provides support for the whole family.
Developing a formulation and/or diagnosis leading to an agreed treatment plan normally takes four sessions. Occasionally, additional sessions are required, depending on the complexity of the presenting complaint.
A formal referral from the GP is desirable. However, referrals from other professionals e.g. a teacher, the SENCO (Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator in school), a Paediatrician or SW (Social Worker) may also be very helpful.
The Second Session is for your child only to see me and discuss any worries. It is often helpful to bring a toy, book or game with which the child feels familiar as an introduction to this session. Electronic toys are not encouraged.
The Third Session is for the parent(s) or any involved adults to discuss their concern in more details and begin to explore the range of treatment options.
The Fourth Session is for the family to meet again with myself to discuss the way forward and agree a treatment plan leading to a formal letter being sent to the family and GP, summarising the outcome of the assessment.
The cost of the first session is £350 and the three follow-ups are £225 each, making a total of £1025. Each session lasts approximately 1 hour. It may be necessary to involve the GP in further investigations e.g. assessment of height, weight, blood pressure and pulse rate. In relation to Autistic Spectrum Disorders specifically, it is important to involve additional expertise in the form of a Specialist Speech & Language Assessment and Educational Psychology Assessment before formal diagnosis and recommendations in relation to educational support will be agreed with the Local Educational Authority, often in the form of an Education Health & Care Plan.
Following the initial assessment, the agreed treatment plan may well include further sessions with myself, including the prescription and review of medication and therapeutic approaches including individual psychotherapeutic work such as low-key CBT and family therapy. Ongoing sessions are at the rate of £225 per session.
The four session private assessment outlined above only applies to full assessments self-funded or in those situations where the insurance company undertakes in advance to fund a four session assessment. Insurance companies are only, increasingly, offering an initial triage one-off session as a starting point.
In relation to ASD assessments, CCP can offer a neuro-developmental history but not a full private ASD assessment. A full private assessment of ASD should also include a specialist Speech and Language assessment and a full Educational Psychology assessment organised by the family separate from the initial neuro-developmental history. A private ASD assessment is distinct and separate from an NHS assessment of ASD.
In relation to ADHD, CCP can offer a full assessment process and medication if required. A private ADHD assessment is separate from an NHS assessment and treatment plan.
Self-funding Payment Methods
We accept payment by cash, cheque and most credit cards. We cannot accept American Express.
Private Healthcare Insurance
Insured patients are most welcome.
Cheshire Child Psychiatry is a recognised provider for many of the leading insurance companies. If you don’t see your provider below, don’t let that put you off, give our office a call so we can advise you further.
If you wish to go through your insurance provider, you must notify them prior to attending to obtain authorisation for treatment. They will also inform you as to whether:
• a medical referral is necessary (almost always required)
• any excess on the policy
• there are any restrictions on the number of treatments allowed
• there is a limit on the amount that can be claimed
We engage in a direct claims process for most health insurance companies. A ‘Direct Claim’ means that when you attend our clinic with an authorisation and policy number, we will invoice the insurance company directly on your behalf, saving you from the inconvenience and expense of laying out the fees then having to claim them back.
Please note that we operate a 48-hour cancellation policy otherwise full fees will apply