The Purpose of Assessment

An assessment has three main functions. Firstly an assessment gives opportunity for careful examination of the difficulties and symptoms that led to referral. Secondly an assessment enables an identification of underlying emotional and psychological problems and disorders leading to the difficulties and symptoms. Thirdly an accurate and detailed assessment will lead to careful consideration and negotiation of decisions about potential treatment options appropriate for identified problems and disorders.

Referral to my clinic is usually followed by an initial telephone conversation with me, and then by a face-to-face comprehensive assessment. A first appointment for assessment will last up to one hour. Further assessment appointments may be necessary, usually no more than two meetings of up to one hour each.

Assessment

Disorders and Disorder Specific Treatments

Current evidence about the effectiveness of psychotherapy and psychological treatments enables us to be specific about the best treatment for an identified disorder and the problems you present. In many cases we can identify first-line and second-line treatments. More information about this can be found on the Psychotherapy Foundation website (click here to go there). An accurate and detailed assessment will lead to an understanding of treatment options that are available for presenting problems and disorders.