Child and Adolescent Mental Health

A Psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specialises in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions.

During the assessment appointment, you and your child will spend time talking about the difficulties your child is experiencing, the symptoms they have and how they impact on their life.

At the end of the appointment, our psychiatrists will provide a diagnosis (where appropriate), which helps inform the best treatment and support options going forward. The Psychiatrist may recommend further assessments (for instance ADHD or Autism) if they think this will be helpful.

Following the appointment, you will receive a full and detailed report covering the areas discussed, the diagnosis (where appropriate) and treatment recommendations tailored to your child.

Follow up appointments are available to discuss changes in behaviours and symptoms, to monitor how treatments are working and to address any concerns you may have. If your child is prescribed medication by one of our clinicians, they may be required to have follow-up appointments to monitor their symptoms and dosage levels.

Mental Health Conditions and Difficulties Psychiatrists Can Assess:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• OCD
• Sleep Disorders
• Eating Disorders and ARFID
• Self Harm
• Emerging personality-based difficulties
• Behavioural conditions
• School Refusal
• Phobias

Treatment Options for Mental Health Conditions:

There are a range of evidence-based, effective treatments available for children and teenagers experiencing mental health conditions, including medication and talking therapies. The right option for your child will depend on a number of factors, including age, symptoms, previous experiences and general health. Your Psychiatrist will discuss these with you. Some conditions, for instance, eating disorders, are more appropriately treated by specialised services. Your Psychiatrist will advise you if this is the case.

Medication Options

Medications can be highly effective for certain mental health issues. You can choose to continue privately to access your child’s medication, or you may wish to return to the NHS, in which case you will need a shared care agreement.

Shared Care agreements with your local GP or NHS provider may be available, allowing you to access prescriptions on the NHS. We cannot guarantee that your local NHS services will be willing to do this and always advise that you discuss this option with your GP before commencing treatment.

If you choose to continue privately, you will need to pay for the cost of the medication itself, as well as a £40 charge for issuing prescriptions.

Initial Assessment: 90 minutes – from £115

Ongoing Therapy Sessions: 50-60 minutes – from £80

Talking therapies can be hugely effective at helping children and teenagers overcome challenges and difficulties in their life, equipping them with tools that will last a lifetime. Talking therapies create a space within which your child can express their feelings, safely explore the difficulties they are experiencing and learn healthier coping mechanisms.

Depending on the age of your child and their circumstances, parents might be invited to join part or all of the therapy sessions. Your child’s therapist will discuss this with you and all decisions will be made collaboratively with you, your child and your child’s therapist.

Talking Therapies Can Help With:

• Anxiety
• Depression and low mood
• Self Harm
• Exam and school stress
• Difficulties within relationships and social groups
• Peer pressure including managing online spaces / social media
• Sleep problems
• Low self-esteem and confidence
• Trauma and abuse
• Phobias and fears
• Life transitions, such as divorce or school moves
• Difficulties attending school

Being a parent of a child who is experiencing emotional, mental or behavioural difficulties can be hugely stressful and isolating. Parents may find it really helpful to have a space to talk to someone about these challenges and the emotional pressure they can place on the individual and family as a whole. Haven Medical can offer confidential sessions for parents with clinicians who specialise in parenting challenges.

You can have a free conversation with a clinical psychologist who will be able to advise you on the next best steps for your child. Call 01202 110303 or contact [email protected]

Haven Medical have a range of expert clinicians who are able to offer your family the support they need to thrive, including:

• Autism Assessments
• ADHD Assessments
• ADHD medication titration and prescribing
• Family Support
• Speech and language therapy
• Occupational therapy (useful for sensory difficulties)
• CBT and other therapeutic interventions
• Parenting support and guidance
• Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and prescribing