FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
1
What is a Clinical Psychologist?
A Clinical Psychologist is a clinician providing assessment and treatment of developmental or mental health issues. The methods used by Clinical Psychologists are based on scientific research and evidence.
2
What is the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?
Psychologists, including clinical psychologists, apply therapeutic methods and undertake assessments. They are unable to prescribe medication.
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who treat mental health issues with medication and psychotherapy.
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We are a psychology clinic with practicing psychologists.
3
Am I able to access a prescription for medication for ADHD?
As Psychologists we are not able to prescribe medication. A GP, NHS team or Psychiatrist is able to prescribe medication. If an assessment leads to a diagnosis, and you are looking to go down the medication route, you are then able to take this to your GP or NHS team. Our diagnosis is normally well received by GP's and the NHS teams.
4
What services can you offer?
Please visit our services page for an extensive list of the main services we can provide:
5
How can I contact you?
You can submit a referral request to us through our 'Referral Form', this can be found on our contact us page: Contact us
For anything else, we can be contacted via email at: admin@cornwallclinicalpsychology.co.uk
6
What will happen when I contact you?
We will consider your referral details to assess what your next steps could be moving forwards; (most commonly we will recommend an initial assessment appointment).
When we make contact about your request we will register you on our system by sending out our terms and conditions with a consent form, a survey and screening measures required. The reason we ask for information ahead of appointments is so that we can match you with the most appropriate clinician. ​To save any delays please ensure you have completed and sent everything back via the secure links you are sent on text and email.
We will then offer you an appointment.
A list of clinicians and their specialisms can be found on our Meet Our Team page.
7
When will I be given an appointment?
Our current waiting period is approximately 3-6 months from the point of completed onboarding. Though we aim to shorten this wherever possible, wait time depends entirely on clinician availability.
8
What should I expect when meeting you for the first time?
During an initial appointment, the Clinical Psychologist will usually ask lots of questions and discuss ideas with the client to gain a full understanding of the situation or symptoms. They will then present their ideas about the problem (a formulation) and how they might be able to help. This is known as an initial assessment. If you are happy with this then a plan will be made to meet for a set number of sessions to work on the specified goals or to book you in for a diagnostic assessment if appropriate and helpful for you.
9
Are your diagnostic assessments accredited?
Our assessments exceed NICE guidelines and have always been accepted by schools and NHS systems.
Reports will be sent to both the school and GP, so will therefore be on health and education records.
10
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept payment through stripe. Stripe is an online payment service provider that accepts debit and credit cards.
11
Do you accept payments from a 3rd party?
We accept payments from employers and schools who are in agreement to paying for diagnostic assessments and/or treatment. Please state this when you make your referral.
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We accept payments from some insurance companies. Please state in your referral request if you are looking for your referral to be funded by a particular company and we will let you know if we are registered with them
13
What age do you conduct ADHD assessments from?
We conduct ADHD assessments from the age of 8. Prior to this we are happy to offer parent only initial assessments to offer advice and strategies. Once the child reaches 8 years of age we are then able to carry out an ADHD assessment, if a clinician deems this suitable.
14
What is the current advice for ADHD referrals?
Please click here to read our current referral request update.
15
Do you accept Right to Choose?
No we don't currently as we don't have a contract with the NHS. However, if your health professional was interested to explore this we would be happy to discuss with them.
Who should I contact in an emergency?
In a crisis, please contact your GP Surgery, 111, or for urgent Mental Health concerns call the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly 24/7 NHS mental health response line on 0800 038 5300.
Various helplines can be accessed via this link: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/mental-health-services
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You can also access urgent support by contacting one of the following services:
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Text "SHOUT" to 85258 - this will connect you to ShoutUK, a free and confidential 24/7 support service
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Call 116 123 - this will connect you to Samaritans, a free 24/7 helpline