Written by Dr Elena Maritan, Consultant Psychiatrist. Last reviewed: 16 September 2026
A full psychiatric assessment is a single long appointment with a consultant psychiatrist, at the end of which you have a diagnosis where one applies, an explanation, and a treatment plan.
At The Blue Tree Clinic we aim to offer an initial appointment within one week, in South Hampstead or online. Please contact us for fees.
What actually happens in the appointment
Most people arrive expecting something more intimidating than it is. It is a conversation, a long and structured one, led by a doctor.
The psychiatrist will ask about what brought you here and how long it has been going on. Your sleep, appetite, concentration, energy and mood. Your alcohol and drug use, which is asked of everybody and is not a judgement. Your physical health and any medication you take, because a number of physical conditions and several common medications produce psychiatric symptoms. Your family history. What has happened in your life recently, and what happened earlier that still matters.
Where it is relevant, structured diagnostic tools are used alongside the clinical interview.
You will not be rushed. That is most of what you are paying for.
What you get at the end
A diagnosis, where there is one to give. Sometimes there is not, and sometimes there is more than one, because conditions overlap far more often than the textbooks suggest.
An explanation, in language you can actually use, of what is happening and why.
A treatment plan. That might be medication. It might be a specific type of therapy rather than therapy in general, which matters, because the wrong therapy for the wrong problem wastes months. It might be both. It might be neither.
A written report follows within two to three weeks, written so that it can be given to your GP.
Psychiatrist or psychologist
People arrive unsure which they need, and booking the wrong one costs time and money.
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor. They diagnose, they can prescribe medication, and they can rule out physical causes. If medication is on the table, or you need a formal diagnosis, or nobody has yet worked out what is going on, you want a psychiatrist.
A psychologist delivers therapy and psychological assessment. They do not prescribe. If you already know what the problem is and you want treatment through talking work, you want a psychologist.
If you are not sure, book the psychiatric assessment. Part of its purpose is to tell you which treatment you actually need.
When it is worth paying for
When you have been on an NHS waiting list long enough that the wait is now part of the problem.
When a GP has tried two or three things and nothing has worked, and nobody has stepped back to look at the whole picture.
When you need a diagnosis on paper for work, for study, or for an insurer, and you need it in weeks.
When something is changing quickly and waiting feels unsafe. If it is urgent and you are at risk, please contact your GP, NHS 111 or emergency services rather than waiting for any appointment, private or otherwise.
Fees
Please contact us for fees. Fees depend on whether the appointment is for an adult or a child.
Book an assessment
South Hampstead, London NW3, or online. We aim to offer an initial appointment within one week.
We operate a callback system. Send us your details through the contact form and we will call you back.
The Coach House, 39 College Crescent, South Hampstead, London NW3 5LB
Frequently asked questions
What happens in a private psychiatric assessment? A long, structured appointment with a consultant psychiatrist covering your current difficulties, sleep, mood, physical health, medication, family history and circumstances. You leave with a diagnosis where one applies, an explanation and a treatment plan.
How much does a private psychiatric assessment cost? Please contact us for fees. They depend on the clinician and whether the appointment is for an adult or a child.
How soon can I be seen? We aim to offer an initial appointment within one week, in South Hampstead or online.