Welcome to Critchley Medical Consultancy

No, an assessment with Critchley Medical Consultancy does not require a referral letter from your doctor.

However, for individuals with pre-existing conditions, it can help us greatly to be able to communicate with your prior treatment providers as it's helpful for us to have comprehensive information, including details of any ongoing prescriptions or treatments, to tailor our approach effectively.

At times, our initial contact comes from concerned partners, family members, or friends. We understand the urgency and are committed to offering assistance in every situation.

It's important to note that our consultations require direct communication with clients aged 18 and above. If the individual in need of assistance is hesitant to acknowledge their challenges, our ability to intervene effectively may be limited. In such cases, we endeavour to support you by providing guidance on self-care and strategies for managing the impact on yourself and others involved.

Assessing the potential benefits of an assessment and subsequent treatment can be uncertain in psychiatry. While there are no guarantees, we have seen many individuals make significant progress through our assessments and treatments. Although we cannot guarantee positive outcomes for everyone, if your needs align with our expertise, we employing the most effective assessments and treatments available to support you to the fullest extent possible.

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who have studied for a medical degree and have chosen specialise in diagnosing and treating mental illnesses. They can prescribe medication, provide medical interventions, and offer psychotherapy.

Psychologists, on the other hand, are not medical doctors, but do hold advanced degrees in psychology and specialise in understanding human behaviour and mental processes. They provide psychotherapy, conduct psychological assessments, and often work in research or academic settings. Psychotherapists encompass a broader category of mental health professionals who specialise in various therapeutic approaches to address emotional and psychological issues. While some psychotherapists may hold advanced degrees in psychology or counselling, others may have specialised training in specific therapeutic modalities without formal psychology degrees. They typically provide talk therapy and other non-medical interventions.

Confidentiality is paramount in all interactions and sessions with Critchley Medical Consultancy. Your privacy is safeguarded, ensuring that discussions remain strictly confidential. However, there are rare circumstances where confidentiality may need to be breached: if there is a perceived risk of harm to yourself or others. In such instances, it becomes imperative to prioritise safety, and relevant parties, such as appropriate healthcare professionals or authorities, will be informed to mitigate potential risks and provide necessary support and intervention.

Rest assured, these exceptions are rare, and are approached with the utmost sensitivity and respect for your privacy. The primary goal remains to foster an environment of trust and support while ensuring the well-being and safety of all individuals involved. Should such a situation arise, it will be handled with discretion, and in accordance with ethical and legal standards, always keeping your best interests at heart.

While undergoing assessment, there may be instances where your clinician mishears or incorrectly records certain details while taking notes. While this occurrence typically does not impact the assessment's outcome significantly, it's natural to harbour concerns. Should you notice any errors, we encourage you to promptly inform us, allowing us to rectify them without delay.

Disagreements between patients and clinicians can arise on occasion. These disagreements may stem from various factors, such as the inability to reach a formal diagnosis or unexpected diagnoses provided by the clinician.

If you believe that your situation hasn't been fully comprehended by the doctor, it's crucial to communicate your concerns with us. You can do so by emailing us and outlining the reasons for your disagreement. We will carefully review your feedback and provide a response within seven working days. Your input is valued, and we are committed to addressing any discrepancies to ensure your satisfaction and understanding.

Your report typically contains clear recommendations aimed at facilitating positive progress. These recommendations may involve initiating medication, therapy, or a combination of both. However, the decision to proceed with these recommendations rests entirely with you. You have the option to pursue further treatment through Clinical Partners or opt for NHS services.

Upon confirming the accuracy of your report and your satisfaction with its content, please send a confirmation email to us. Once received, we can proceed to share your report with your GP or any other relevant healthcare professional involved in your care, provided we have obtained your prior consent.

If it becomes necessary to liaise with your GP and other healthcare professionals involved in your care to validate your diagnosis and treatment plan, this communication will be restricted to sharing a copy of your report. This report will solely include pertinent information related to ongoing treatment recommendations.