Dr Anne Perry
Dr Anne Perry
MB BS, MRCPsych, Dip CT		 Dr Anne Perry
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Information for new patients
 
Many people find the idea of seeing a psychiatrist rather daunting, so here is some information to help you understand what happens during the assessment process.
 
A psychiatrist differs from a psychologist in that we are medically qualified, so we are able to investigate any physical causes which may have an impact on mental health, and we are also able to prescribe medication (if needed). The initial consultation usually takes about an hour, during which you can tell me about your symptoms and also what has gone wrong that may be contributing to the situation. I will usually ask you about your relationships, background and your upbringing, all of which may have a bearing on your current circumstances. It is also useful to have a list of current medication, including names and doses and to ask about any previous treatments you may have tried. Follow up appointments usually last between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on the circumstances.

People often feel embarrassed or anxious about seeking help and may see it as a sign of weakness, but these feelings often lessen once they understand that many other people have difficulties with similar issues and that help is available in a supportive, non-judgemental setting.

Many patients have health insurance policies that cover my fees. You will need to have been referred by a General Practitioner to gain authorisation and you will also need to check with your insurer in advance that you are covered. If you let me know the details of your scheme, I can send the account directly to your insurance company for payment. You will be responsible for any shortfall. If you wish to change an appointment please email me. Missed appointments are usually charged at the standard rate if I do not receive 24 hours notice.

If your condition is more serious and requires in-patient or day-patient treatment, then this is usually available at The Priory Hospital, Ticehurst. The charges incurred can be reimbursed by insurance company policies, provided the treatment has been "pre-authorised".

I am an accredited CBT therapist as well as a psychiatrist but I also have access to a range of other therapists (including CBT therapists), whose fees can usually be reclaimed from the insurance companies. If CBT is an appropriate treatment for you, then we can discuss whether it would be more appropriate for you to see me for therapy or for me to refer you on to one of my therapist colleagues.

It is usual for me to write to your GP after our initial appointment so they are aware of the treatment plan. I also routinely send you a copy of this letter and any other correspondence relating to you. Some people do not wish to have these types of personal details on their GP medical records, and if you do not, then let me know. Generally, when medication is prescribed, then it is important that your GP knows about it, just in case it interacts with other medication that they may wish to prescribe. GP's will often prescribe medication on my behalf, which may be considerably cheaper than dispensing a private prescription written by myself. If there are any problems with medication, or unexpected side effects, then please inform me as soon as possible.

Please feel free to either e-mail me, or to write to me, if there are things that I need to know between appointments. Sometimes people find it helpful to write a summary, or jot down some of the important details and either send it to me before the consultation or bring it along with them, to make sure everything is covered or nothing is forgotten. If you wish a relative or friend to be in with us at the appointment, then generally that is fine, though it may be that spending at least part of the appointment alone is often helpful. If you wish me to discuss your condition with either your family or others then I will need your written permission to enable me to do so. In general, no information about you is disclosed or discussed with anyone other than you without your written permission - and that includes family members or parents if you are over 18 years old.

I will do my very best to discuss the various treatment options with you, and to look at the "pros and cons" of each, so that your views are fully taken into account in your treatment. If you are unhappy with any aspects of your care, then let me know as soon as you can, so that they can be resolved as quickly as possible.