Clinical Psychology

A clinical psychologist assists people with mental and physical health problems. These include addiction, phobias, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, psychosis, personality disorder, learning difficulties, stress and trauma, low self-esteem, and family or relationship issues.

Clinical psychologists may carry out a clinical assessment to investigate your situation. They have a variety of methods to do this including direct observation of behaviour, psychometric tests and interviews. After an assessment, they will develop a treatment plan to provide advice, counselling or therapy.

Some of the therapies our clinical psychologists provide are:

• Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT)
• Cognitive analytical therapy (CAT)
• Compassion focused therapy (CFT)
• Family therapy
• Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR)
• Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
• Mindfulness
• Group therapy
• Interpersonal therapy
• Motivational interviewing
• Supportive psychotherapy
• Counselling

A clinical psychologist is a doctor. To become a registered clinical psychologist, you must have completed a 3-year undergraduate degree in psychology and a 3-year postgraduate doctorate in clinical psychology (PhD). Relevant clinical experience is required before entering the doctorate course. The doctorate course involves both academic and clinical work.

Clinical psychologists are entitled to use the title ‘Dr’ in front of their name if they have a PhD or a professional training degree such as a DClinPsy.

Once qualified, most clinical psychologists develop areas of clinical specialism. These include adult mental health, eating disorders or addictions. They undertake regular training and continuing professional development (CPD) each year to keep their skills and knowledge up-to-date.

The costs of a clinical psychologist will depend on a number of factors including your individual treatment plan and your Ramsay hospital of choice.  

You will receive a formal quotation price after your initial consultation with one of our expert clinical psychologists. This formal quote will be valid for 60 days.

Ramsay is recognised by all major medical insurers. Our clinical psychologists are recognised by most insurers. If you have private medical insurance, we advise you to contact your insurer to ensure that your cover is adequate, that they will cover your treatment and whether there are limits to the number of sessions you are covered for. You should receive authorisation from your insurance provider before you start your treatment plan.

If your private medical insurance limits the number of sessions that you are covered for, but you wish to continue receiving therapy, you can choose to make up the difference by paying yourself.

We have a number of finance options if you are paying for your clinical psychology treatment yourself. These include:

• Interest-free finance – 0% interest, no deposit and affordable monthly instalments.
• All-inclusive Total Care – a one-off pre-agreed payment for access to all the treatment you need for complete reassurance.
• Pay as you go – flexible funding to pay for treatment as and when costs arise. Often used if your treatment costs are difficult to assess.

If your fees are being paid by somebody else, such as a rehabilitation agency, employer, solicitor or family member, we will need their written confirmation that they will be responsible for your fees. We will usually invoice them directly.

The aim of a clinical psychology treatment is for the patient to have an effective long-term recovery.

Recovery of a clinical psychology treatment is personalised and defined by each individual. It is a journey of healing and change that focuses on building a meaningful life, as defined by the person themselves and achieving their personal goals.

Recovery is an ongoing process. It’s normal to have difficulties or setbacks along the way.

Personal recovery can mean:

• Taking steps towards where you would like to be
• Feeling part of the local community
• Achieving something that you found difficult to do. Such as getting out of the house
• Feeling more in control of your emotions
• Having an active life
• Being able to have healthy friendships and relationships
• Acquiring a positive sense of self with meaning and purpose in life
• Understanding your abilities and disabilities
• Having hope for the future.

Expert clinical psychology support is available at Ramsay Health Care. We have professional, caring and qualified clinical psychologists to help you to manage and recover from psychological distress.

You can book an appointment with one of our clinical psychologists in confidence and without waiting. You don’t need a GP referral to see them. They will develop a personal treatment plan for you after assessing your needs.  

Our experienced clinical psychologists treat patients with a variety of mental health conditions. These include anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, body image, eating disorders, addiction, OCD, phobias, psychosis, personality disorder, learning difficulties, stress and trauma, and family or relationship issues. They use therapies including CBT and psychotherapy. Their aim is to promote your psychological well-being.

They also support patients with physical health conditions. These include rheumatological conditions, CFS/ME and fibromyalgia, pain, migraine, fertility difficulties, chronic health disease and arrhythmias.

All staff at Ramsay Health Care follow strict protocols to control and prevent infection, including Covid 19.