Private Psychiatrist Consultation Prices UK
Private psychiatrist consultations offer swift access to medical expertise for mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and PTSD. Psychiatrists are medically trained, so they can diagnose complex presentations, prescribe or adjust medication, liaise with other specialists, and write reports for employers or universities. Many clinics also coordinate talking therapies, neurodevelopmental assessments, and crisis plans tailored to your situation.
Before your appointment the clinic gathers background information: referral letters, past mental health records, current medication list, and risk factors (self-harm history, substance use). You might complete screening questionnaires—PHQ-9, GAD-7, mood charts—to help the psychiatrist identify symptom severity and trends. On the day, consultations run 50–75 minutes and include psychiatric history, mental state examination, physical health review, and a discussion about goals, fears, and preferred treatment styles.
What a Private Psychiatrist Can Do for You
📝 Diagnostic clarity
Psychiatrists differentiate overlapping conditions (e.g. ADHD vs. anxiety, bipolar vs. borderline personality disorder) and rule out physical causes like thyroid disease or medication side effects.
💊 Medication management
They prescribe and monitor antidepressants, mood stabilisers, antipsychotics, and stimulants, adjusting doses based on blood tests and side-effect profiles. Shared-care agreements with GPs may follow once stability is achieved.
🧠 Therapy coordination
Psychiatrists refer onwards to CBT, trauma therapy, EMDR, or group programmes, ensuring medication and therapy complement each other.
📄 Reporting and advocacy
Detailed letters support workplace adjustments, university Disability Service plans, DVLA notifications, or insurance claims.
How Much is a Private Psychiatrist Consultation in the UK?
Initial assessment (60–75 minutes): £280 to £380 including diagnostic report.
Medication review (30 minutes): £180 to £240 for dose adjustments, side-effect monitoring, and repeat prescriptions.
Urgent same-day appointment: £350 to £480 when rapid access is needed.
Need neurodevelopmental support as well? Pair psychiatric care with our guides on adult ADHD assessments and adult autism assessments.
Factors that Affect Psychiatrist Pricing
🧑⚕️ Subspecialty expertise
Perinatal, forensic, and neurodevelopmental psychiatrists charge more than general adult consultants.
🧾 Report complexity
Detailed occupational health or medico-legal reports require extra drafting time and may cost £100–£250 beyond consultation charges.
📅 Appointment format
Evening or weekend slots command premiums. Video appointments can be cheaper if the clinician practices nationwide.
💊 Prescription handling
Private scripts and couriered medication add fees. Shared-care agreements with GPs reduce long-term private prescription costs.
How to Save Money on Private Psychiatrist Consultations
💡 Prepare thoroughly
Bring medical history, previous medications, and recent blood tests to avoid repeat investigations. Keep symptom diaries to streamline the assessment.
🤝 Clarify shared care early
Ask whether your GP will continue prescriptions once stable. Shared-care dramatically cuts ongoing expense.
📅 Use insurance wisely
Most health insurers cover initial assessments and limited follow-ups. Obtain pre-authorisation and understand limits before booking.
FAQs
Can psychiatrists prescribe controlled medication?
Yes. They issue private prescriptions for stimulants, benzodiazepines, and antipsychotics when indicated. Pharmacies charge separately to dispense them.
Do appointments include therapy?
Psychiatrists focus on diagnosis and medication. They often coordinate therapy but do not provide weekly counselling themselves.
How often will I need reviews?
Monthly reviews are common during medication titration. Once stable, consultations drop to every 3–6 months or transfer to your GP.
Are video consultations effective?
Yes—many psychiatrists offer high-quality video assessments nationwide. Physical exams (e.g. for antipsychotics) may still require in-person visits.
What if I need crisis support?
Private psychiatrists provide safety plans and may liaise with crisis teams, but in emergencies you should contact NHS 111/999 or attend A&E immediately.
Conclusion
Private psychiatry accelerates diagnosis and medication optimisation, especially when NHS waiting lists feel endless. Prepare thoroughly, plan prescription handovers, and combine medical treatment with therapy and self-care to make the most of your investment. 😁
 |
Jane Smith |
| Am British, live in London (1985–present) |
