Reviewed by Dr Grzelewski
If you are considering seeing a private psychiatrist South London patients trust for timely, personalised care, you’re not alone. Many people choose private psychiatry for faster access, greater continuity, and a tailored treatment plan that fits their life and goals. This guide explains what private psychiatry involves, who can benefit, what to expect from a typical appointment, costs, and answers to common questions so you can make an informed decision.
What is private psychiatry and mental health support?
Private psychiatry provides specialist assessment, diagnosis and medical treatment for mental health conditions outside the NHS system. A private psychiatrist is a medically trained doctor with further specialist qualifications in psychiatry. They offer a range of services including initial psychiatric assessments, medication management, crisis planning, second opinions, and coordination with psychologists and talking therapists. Many patients also access combined care, where a psychiatrist works alongside therapists for psychotherapy or counselling to deliver a comprehensive care plan.
Unlike some publicly provided services, private psychiatry often allows for longer appointment times, greater scheduling flexibility, and more rapid access to care. It can be especially useful when you need a specialist opinion quickly, require a complex medication review, or prefer continuity with a single clinician.
Who needs a private psychiatrist South London?
People choose a private psychiatrist for a variety of reasons, including:
- New symptoms that need rapid assessment (severe anxiety, depression, mood instability, psychosis).
- Complex or treatment-resistant conditions requiring specialist medication review or second opinions.
- Desire for faster access than current NHS waiting times allow.
- Need for specialist psychiatric reports for work, insurers, or legal matters.
- Patients who prefer continuity of care with one consultant or who travel frequently and need flexible appointments.
If you’re unsure whether private care is right for you, a brief phone call or an initial assessment can clarify the best route. You can also ask your GP for advice or a referral.
Service walkthrough: what to expect at your appointment
Visiting a private psychiatrist typically follows these steps:
- Referral or enquiry: You can self-refer or be referred by a GP, therapist or employer. Our relevant service page explains common pathways.
- Initial assessment: The first session is usually 45–90 minutes. The psychiatrist will take a detailed history of your symptoms, past treatments, physical health, family history, and social circumstances. This is an opportunity to outline your goals and any concerns about medication or therapy.
- Diagnosis and formulation: After assessment, the psychiatrist will share their understanding of what might be contributing to your symptoms and propose a personalised treatment plan. This may include medication, referral to psychotherapy (CBT, interpersonal therapy, etc.), lifestyle changes, or further investigations.
- Treatment and follow-up: If medication is recommended, follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor response and side effects—often more frequently at first and then at longer intervals as things stabilise. The psychiatrist can coordinate with your GP to manage prescriptions or share responsibility for ongoing monitoring.
- Coordination of care: Private psychiatrists frequently liaise with psychologists, occupational therapists, employers, and legal representatives when appropriate. We can help arrange ongoing therapy, provide workplace adjustments letters, or prepare medico-legal reports.
For combined packages (psychiatry plus psychotherapy), see our appointments page for options and timeframes.
Cost information: what you should know
Private psychiatry costs in London can vary depending on the clinician’s experience, the length of the appointment, and whether additional reports or letters are required. Typical price examples (indicative only) include:
- Initial psychiatric assessment (60–90 minutes): £250–£450
- Follow-up medication review (20–40 minutes): £100–£200
- Extended follow-up or therapy coordination (45–60 minutes): £150–£300
- Specialist reports or medico-legal assessments: quoted individually
Many insurers cover private psychiatric care—check your policy for authorisation requirements. Some patients choose to pay privately for assessments and then have ongoing prescriptions managed through their GP. We offer clear pricing during booking and can provide an itemised invoice for insurers. If cost is a concern, discuss shorter appointments or focused reviews as alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How quickly can I be seen by a private psychiatrist?
Private psychiatrists typically offer much shorter wait times than NHS services. Depending on availability, you can often get an assessment within days to a few weeks. Emergency or urgent cases can be prioritised.
2. Do I need a GP referral to see a private psychiatrist?
No—most private consultants accept self-referrals. However, bringing a GP letter or recent medical records can speed up the assessment and coordination of care.
3. Will the psychiatrist prescribe medication?
Yes. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can prescribe and manage psychiatric medications. They will discuss risks, benefits, and monitoring and can arrange shared care with your GP if appropriate.
4. Can private psychiatry work alongside therapy?
Absolutely. Psychiatrists often work together with psychologists, counsellors and therapists to deliver combined care. If you need psychotherapy, the psychiatrist can recommend or refer you to suitable therapists.
5. Is private care confidential?
Yes. Private psychiatry follows strict confidentiality and data protection standards. Information is only shared with third parties (like employers or insurers) with your consent or if there is a legal or safety requirement to disclose.
Ready to get help?
If you would like to arrange an appointment or have questions about whether private psychiatry is right for you, please call us on 020 7223 5114. Our clinic is at 45 Lavender Hill, Clapham Junction, London SW11 5QW, where we provide private psychiatry and integrated mental health support in a comfortable, confidential setting.
For more information about related services, see our services or to book directly visit book an appointment. We understand taking the first step can feel daunting—our team is here to listen, explain your options, and support you at every stage.