How do I start
Seeking help for your mental health is a big step and it might feel challenging. You might not be sure whether you really need support. You might think that you can deal with the challenges you are facing yourself. Perhaps you are unsure of how a psychologist can help. Or you might think that your issues are not that serious to require professional help. Whatever is making you feel reluctant, I am here to support, reassure, and make you feel comfortable in every step of this journey.
If you are certain and ready to start, great! Just contact me directly and I’ll be able to find a suitable appointment for you.
If you are feeling unsure whether therapy is for you, I offer a free initial 10–15-minute phone call so that you can ask questions and feel reassured that I am the best professional to help you. Please contact me to book an initial free chat.
Self-referrals
To book an initial appointment, you do not need a referral if you are self-referring. All you need to do is contact me and we will try to arrange a date and time that suit us both. If you are paying for treatment yourself, I’ll discuss the details of how to pay in the free initial call or via email/text message.
If you have private health insurance, your insurer might be able to fund your treatment.
Private health insurance
I am registered with most private health insurers in the UK and can accept payment through them.
If you would like your private health insurer to fund treatment, there are generally 2 routes that will allow you to book directly with me:
- Your insurer might request a GP referral to give you a claim or authorisation number. With this in hand, you can simply contact your insurer and let them know that you have chosen me as your psychologist. They will be able to find me in their register. Then, all you need to do is contact me to book an initial appointment.
- Your insurer might direct you to a ‘fast track’ or ‘third party’ service for a screening. Insurers claim that this is the fastest way to pair you with a psychologist and it does not require a referral. In my experience, this is not the case! In fact, it can take you much longer to see a psychologist. The fast track or third-party mental health services will normally take you to a large company that will not always find the therapist/psychologist that is closest to you, has the earliest availability, or even offers the modality of treatment you are looking for! If your insurer tries to direct you to one of these companies, please insist with your insurer that you want to see me and you know I am registered with them. Your insurer might require a GP referral for you to do this, but this is still the quickest way to book with me.
Appointments will be carried out online, in the comfort of your home or anywhere that is convenient to you. Online sessions have the same personal touch as in-person ones, with the added bonus of saving time on travel, and money on gas and parking!
I am registered with the following insurers: AXA, AVIVA, WPA, Bupa, Aetna, Cigna, Allianz, GeoBlue, Healix.
