Consultations

Making an appointment

You do not need to be referred by your GP or Psychiatrist.
However, if you are claiming through a private insurance company, this may be a condition of your referral. Thus it is wise to contact your health insurance company and clarify the position before making an appointment.

Other health professionals can also make referrals to my service. If you have any questions that you would like answered before you make an appointment, I can arrange a brief telephone conversation.

To arrange an initial appointment, please call 07926 943896, use our Contact Form or e-mail me direct at
drchristinehemsley@gmail.com. All contact will be treated in the strictest confidence and if I need to return a call and leave a message it will be discrete.

Assessments

Having arranged a suitable time to meet, an assessment is an hour long appointment that allows us to discuss your difficulties as well as your goals of therapy and what changes you would like to make in your life. It is also an opportunity for you to ascertain if I am a therapist that you are happy to work with. The assessment does not imply any commitment on your part. If I feel that I am not the most suitable professional to treat you, I will endeavour to refer to someone who I believe is.

At this stage I can begin to formulate or think about how your difficulties developed and the best treatment plan for you, as well as the expected length of treatment. A more substantial formulation will be offered as therapy proceeds and this will be discussed with you.

Subsequent appointments

If we agree to proceed with therapy, each subsequent appointment will last 50 minutes. It is usual to meet weekly and appointments will be arranged in advance. Having agreed to the most suitable length of therapy, progress will be reviewed at regular intervals and this will be explained at the initial appointment.

Confidentiality

All information is treated in the strictest confidence and this will be discussed in detail at the assessment stage. If you have referred yourself and you do not wish your GP to be informed I can discuss this option with you.

Fees

At my Snow Hill Practice I charge £120/50 minute session for individuals and £135/50 session for couples.

There is a reduced rate for psychology trainees requiring supervision or therapy.

Cancellations

If you need to cancel an appointment, 48 hours notice is required otherwise a half fee will be charged.
Appointments cancelled on the day will be charged at full price.

Private Insurance

As a psychologist I am an approved provider with leading healthcare insurance companies, including:

• AXA PPP healthcare
• BUPA
• BUPA International
• Aviva
• Simplyhealth
• General medical
• Pruhealth
• Cigna