UK Private Child Psychiatrist

An ADHD Assessment can take up to 2 -2.5 hours to complete (not including checking forms or speaking to the SENCO / classroom teachers) An initial Child Developmental History usually takes between 1.5 hours to 2 hours. An Autism Assessment consist of 3 parts with a total of up to 6 - 7 hours. (CDH + ADI + ADOS)

A complete history is taken which is necessary to gain a full idea of the young persons difficulties. Occasionally a physical examination may be necessary and further investigations like blood tests may be recommended.

I give you my view as to whether I feel your child has ADHD or not as long as I have all the information from yourself and school (if applicable). For an Autism assessment, I will not be able to give you my impression immediately as the ADI scores need to be evaluated against the ADOS.

There will be no contact with school without your permission. However in some instances a full assessment cannot be completed without contacting school teachers or the SENCO.

Yes. If you are not happy then the first step is to discuss the problem with me to see if it can be resolved. If you are still not happy then you can seek advice from the Independent Doctors Federation via: https://www.idf.co.uk/patients/patient-complaints.aspx

Yes, a copy of the assessment letter will be sent to the GP. This is necessary as your GP may be asked to undertake investigations or make referrals to other specialists.

If an appointment is cancelled with 48 hours notice then there is a full refund. Within the 48 hour period then there is no refund as it means another family and young person cannot be seen in that appointment slot.

Payment will be required before each appointment. This will via bank transfer.

Not for the time being.

For ADHD assessments, the age range is normally 6-17 but in some severe cases, the lower age range can be 4-5. For ASD assessments, the age range is 3-17.

A psychiatrist has graduated from medical school, completed at least 6 months within surgery and 6 months within medicine before spending approximately 6 years of psychiatry training before becoming a Consultant. They are trained to diagnose mental health problems, recognise medical health problems, they can administer therapies, and can recommend / prescribe medication. Psychologists have a degree in psychology. Chartered Clinical Psychologists are not usually medically-trained, but have undertaken a long and robust training following their psychology degree. They are primarily concerned with the study of how people think, act, react and interact. Both Psychiatrists and Psychologists share the same aim of wanting to help people. If Dr Mahendra feels you would benefit from a psychological assessment then he will provide advice on this.

At the moment Dr Mahendra is able to see the young person and family within a month or two.