ADVICE & RESOURCES

Useful information, clearly explained

Answers to common questions about psychiatric care, assessments, appointments and how Edinburgh Psychiatry works.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Questions you may have before getting in touch.

A psychiatrist is a medically qualified doctor who specialises in mental health. Psychiatrists can assess the medical, psychological and social factors that may be contributing to what someone is experiencing, make a diagnosis where appropriate, recommend treatment and prescribe medication.
Psychiatric input may be helpful when symptoms are affecting day-to-day life, a diagnosis is uncertain, treatment is not helping as expected, different difficulties appear to overlap or you would like a specialist clinical opinion. If you are unsure, send us an enquiry and our team can help identify the most appropriate starting point.
No. A GP referral is not required to contact or book with Edinburgh Psychiatry, although we are happy to accept one.
A general psychiatric assessment considers the wider clinical picture when the diagnosis is unclear, symptoms overlap or specialist psychiatric input is needed. ADHD and autism assessments explore a specific neurodevelopmental question and may include developmental history, clinical interviews, questionnaires and information from other people or professionals where relevant.
A brief summary of what you are looking for is enough to begin. Please tell us who the enquiry is for, their age where relevant and the main reason you are seeking psychiatric input. Detailed clinical information and reports can be collected securely if they are needed before an appointment.

Appointment availability varies by clinician and appointment type. Current availability is shown within the booking portal. If you are unsure which appointment to choose, send an enquiry and the team can advise on the most appropriate route.
Your clinician will take time to understand what has been happening, relevant history and what you would like to clarify. The process varies depending on the clinical question and appointment type. Once the relevant information has been gathered, your clinician will explain their clinical thinking and discuss the most appropriate next steps.
Yes. Secure online appointments are available for appropriate assessments and follow-up care. In-person appointments take place at 10A St Colme Street in central Edinburgh.
‍For current fees and appointment availability, please see our online booking. Fees are set by each consultant and reflect the service provided, their training and experience, and the time required for consultation and necessary clinical correspondence.

‍Additional charges may apply for items requested and authorised outside a booked appointment: for example prescriptions, clinical letters, and reports/forms. Where applicable, we will confirm these costs with you in advance. The fees our practitioners charge take into account the specialism they offer and their experience and training. Our fees are based on the consultation and correspondence time.
‍We operate a strict cancellation policy.

‍Cancellations within 72 hours of the appointment time, or non-attendance, are charged at 100% of the fee.
Please cancel by emailing hello@edinburghpsychiatry.com or by calling 0131 220 2343. (Voicemail cannot be accepted as notice of cancellation.)

If your sessions are funded by insurance and you cancel within 72 hours, the full fee may be charged to your insurer, or you may be liable for 50% outside your insurance policy.

All of our sessions are completely confidential. Information will not be given to family members, universities, friends, or your GP, without your explicit consent. However, if we judge from information you provide to us that you or someone else is at immediate risk of coming to harm, we have a legal duty of care to break confidentiality in order to ensure your safety or the safety of others. Any personal data is stored on fully GDPR compliant electronic software accessible only by Edinburgh Psychiatry. Please refer to our terms and conditions for full details around confidentiality and GDPR issues.
Yes, with your consent we can share relevant letters and updates with your GP or other professionals involved in your care. Any shared-care arrangement for medication remains at the GP’s discretion.
Once the assessment is complete, your clinician will explain their clinical conclusions and recommendations. Depending on the outcome, next steps may include treatment planning, medication review, practical or educational recommendations, liaison with your GP or signposting to other appropriate support.
QbTest may be used as part of some ADHD assessments or medication reviews where clinically appropriate. It provides objective information relating to attention, activity and impulsivity and is interpreted alongside the wider clinical assessment. Clinical approval required for applicable ages, whether QbTest is offered to adults, its use within medication reviews and current test duration.
Yes. A second opinion may be helpful when an existing diagnosis, treatment plan or medication no longer feels clear. We can review the relevant history and clinical information, discuss current concerns and provide independent recommendations for the next stage of care.

URGENT SUPPORT

Need urgent mental health support?

Edinburgh Psychiatry is not an emergency or crisis service.

If you or someone else is in immediate danger or has a life-threatening emergency, call 999 or go to A&E.

For urgent mental health support in Scotland, phone NHS 24 on 111 and choose the mental health option. The NHS 24 Mental Health Hub is available to people of all ages, 24 hours a day.

Samaritans can be contacted free, day or night, on 116 123.