Anxiety
Persistent worry, fear, avoidance or physical symptoms with significant daily impact.
Other child and adolescent psychiatry services
Assessment of selected
mental health difficulties.
Consultation is available for a defined range of emotional, behavioural and psychiatric presentations, alongside the specialist ADHD service.
Clinical assessment
Assessment is guided by presentation, severity and context.
A psychiatric assessment considers symptom pattern, duration, severity, functional impact and relevant developmental, medical, family and educational factors.
Some young people may be better supported by primary care, psychology, disability services, a multidisciplinary team or another specialist service.
Reasons for referral
Presentations considered by the practice.
Examples of the presentations assessed by the practice are outlined below.
Mood difficulties
Persistent low mood, loss of interest, irritability or a marked deterioration in functioning.
Emotional or behavioural difficulties
Sustained emotional dysregulation or behavioural change where psychiatric assessment is clinically indicated.
Obsessive‑compulsive symptoms or tics
Obsessions, compulsions, or motor or vocal tics causing significant distress or impairment.
Diagnostic clarification
Review of an uncertain or complex presentation, including previous assessments and the current differential diagnosis.
Co‑occurring difficulties
Assessment of interacting developmental, emotional, behavioural and psychiatric factors.
Clinical suitability
Clinical fit is established before an appointment is offered.
The consultant considers symptom severity, functional impairment, physical health, risk, complexity and any services already involved.
If the young person’s needs fall outside the practice’s remit, the referrer will be advised that an alternative service should be considered.
Referral requirements
Consultation process
A clinically directed assessment.
- 01
Assessment
A detailed history is obtained and the current presentation and level of functioning are examined.
- 02
Formulation
Relevant developmental, biological, psychological and social factors are integrated.
- 03
Recommendations
Treatment options, supports, professional liaison and onward referral are discussed as indicated.
Contact the practice.
For administrative enquiries about referrals, the consultation location or appointment arrangements.