We have attempted to answer as many questions as possible.
However please do not hesitate to call us on 0121 314 0330 and it would be a pleasure to discuss your queries over the phone too.
Mental Health Assessments
How soon can I see someone?
Our online booking service allows you to choose a date and time that works best for you. You will usually neeed to book two days in advance. If you have private health insurance, you will need to get authorisation from them.
Are you affiliated with the NHS
No, we are an independent mental health service. We are not attached to any large corporation either.
How much will it cost?
Our prices differ depending on the disorders and appointment types. At Oaktree Connect, we offer a tailored experience and do not operate a ‘one size fits all’ package of care. Please see our Fees page for further details.
How long is an assessment?
The length of your assessment will vary depending on the type of assessment conducted. It will be between 1- 4 hours.
What will happen after an assessment?
After the initial assessment, the consultant psychiatrist will briefly discuss a care plan. This may involve psychological therapy or medication. If they prescribe medication, they will do so online. Our pharmacy partner will send it to you by post so that you receive the medication at your doorstep. You will be required to attend a review appointment. A full report will be sent out to you and your GP, following the assessment.
Can the doctors provide private prescriptions?
Our practitioners provide private prescriptions so you will be charged a fee for them. If you would like medication from the NHS, we will have to get in touch with your GP and agree a shared care protocol with them. In most cases, they are happy to do this.
Will I receive a report after and how long will it take?
A report will be provided to you and your GP once the full assessment has been conducted. It will normally take between 7-14 working days to be sent.
Is it possible not to write to my GP after the appointment?
We advise that you keep your GP involved in your care. However if you request for the letter not to be sent out to any third party, we will not send it to anyone.
What are you able to offer as a team?
We offer an assessment, diagnosis, and treatment for people suspected to have but not limited to the following:
Psychiatric disorders including depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar affective disorder, schizophrenia.
Neuropsychiatric and autistic spectrum disorder, ADHD, sleep disorders.
They assess your emotional wellbeing, issues, psychological trauma, and how these may affect your life. They then, in discussion with you, decide if you require therapy to resolve these issues. If you feel you do require it, you decide the appropriate form and length of therapy together.
What do the psychiatrists (medical professionals) do?
They assess your mental health related issues, current and past, make a diagnosis (if present), and develop a treatment plan. The plan may include medical treatment, referral for psychological therapy, signposting you to other services, and providing information to you and your GP.
What is the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?
A psychologist is an expert in human behaviours, thoughts, and emotions. They have done a bachelors and masters degree in psychology. They provide talking therapies. Our psychologists can help with a variety of mental health difficulties and emotional problems.
A psychiatrist is a medically trained doctor, having completed a professional degree in medicine and then specialised in psychiatric medicine. They can make diagnoses, form treatment plans, prescribe medication, and administer other forms of physical treatments.
Can psychiatrists and psychologists provide medico-legal/ court reports?
Yes, some of our most experienced psychiatrists & psychologists have worked in the medico-legal field, provided reports, and worked as expert witnesses in court. If you are interested in our services, ask your solicitor to email us at contact@oaktreeconnect.co.uk to get more information.
How long can the treatment of a neuropsychiatric disorder last?
It is impossible to define a time scale for treatment since it varies depending on the disorder and the person. For example, psychological therapy can require several sessions over some months.
Can Oaktree do a report for my employment?
We can provide occupational health reports for employers and employees.
Eating disorders are characterised by an abnormal attitude towards food, which affects eating habits and behaviours. The preoccupation with your weight, eating, and shape leads you to make unhealthy eating choices.
The most common eating disorders are anorexia nervosa (food restriction and attaining an unhealthy weight), bulimia nervosa (binging and purging food), and binge eating (consuming unusually large amounts of food).
What is neuropsychiatry?
Neuropsychiatry involves the treatment of mental disorders, behavioural, or psychological issues which originate from brain dysfunction.
Which disorders can a neuropsychiatrist treat?
There are many psychiatric disorders that overlap with neurological disorders. The following list is not exhaustive:
What happens in the first psychology/ therapy session?
During your initial psychology/ therapy session, you will have the opportunity to highlight your worries, symptoms and ways in which you would like help. The psychologist will assess your emotional wellbeing, issues, past psychological trauma, and how these affect your life. If you decide you would find therapy beneficial, they will devise a bespoke treatment plan for you at the end of the session. Further sessions will address the issues that have been presented.
What Psychological therapies do you offer?
Cognitive Behavioural therapy (CBT)
Inter Personal Therapy
EMDR to treat psychological trauma
Mindfulness
Compassion Focused therapy
Supportive Counselling
Relationship Counselling
What kind of therapy would I need?
The kind of therapy you require depends on your individual needs.
This decision would combine your knowledge of yourself and your needs, and the psychologist’s expert knowledge of psychological treatments and practice.
Together you form a treatment plan. For example, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) has shown to be highly effective in reducing symptoms for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). However, people difficulties related to psychological trauma in the past have been shown to respond well to EMDR treatment.
All available and appropriate treatment approaches will be discussed with you in detail at assessment.
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) is an effective, drug-free, non-invasive treatment. It uses magnetic stimulation areas of the brain that regulate mood.
How is TMS treatment for depression compared to antidepressant medication?
At Oaktree, 90% of our patients have gotten relief from their depression and anxiety. This is higher than any other clinic. On the other hand, the response rate for antidepressants is only 45- 55%, depending on the research study. Email us at contact@oaktreeconnect.co.uk to request our results.
What happens during a TMS treatment?
A ‘paddle’ is placed over the area of your brain requiring treatment. It will rest lightly on your scalp throughout.
You will feel a tapping sensation on your head as the magnetic pulses are delivered. It is pain-free and you are free to talk, listen to music, or just sit back and relax. Afterwards, you are free to go about your normal day- you can drive and resume work.
How much does rTMS cost?
Each session cost starts from £220, and you will usually require 20-30 sessions.
Are there any side effects?
At Oaktree Connect, none of our patients have encountered side effects.
Although pain-free, some people find the ‘tapping’ sensation or noise of the magnetic pulses uncomfortable.
In research elsewhere, some people have reported a light-headed feeling, a mild localised headache, a tingling in the face, jaw, or scalp, and temporary hearing problems from the noise of the machine. A minute risk of seizures has been reported but never encountered in clinical practice in Europe.
Why hasn’t my GP heard of TMS?
TMS has been accredited by NICE, National Treatment Guidelines, and The Royal College of Psychiatrists.
It is still a relatively new treatment, although research has been ongoing since the 1980s.
Awareness of TMS is increasing but there is still a lack of knowledge amongst some GPs. You should share the recommendations by NICE with your practitioner. We are also happy to talk to your GP or referrer about TMS to increase their awareness of it.
Is Oaktree looking for new consultant psychiatrists and psychologists?
We welcome enquiries from healthcare professionals wishing to join our innovative team. Please get in-touch with our administrative staff to discuss the options available.
