The assessment process: step by step

This article walks through the assessment process in full. If you are about to book, or have just booked, it tells you exactly what to expect at each stage.

Stage one: booking

You choose your pathway, complete the booking form, and pay. We send you a confirmation email with the details of your appointment, the link to your secure video consultation, and the pre-assessment questionnaires.

Stage two: pre-assessment questionnaires

These are validated rating scales designed to capture symptoms across childhood and adulthood, current functioning, and impact across home, work, and relationships. They take around forty-five minutes. Complete them at your own pace, in a quiet moment.

Stage three: collateral history (where appropriate)

For some assessments, particularly children, we ask for input from someone who knew you in childhood, or from school, to triangulate the picture. Your clinician will tell you if this applies.

Stage four: the clinical interview

By secure video, lasting around one hundred and twenty minutes. The clinician explores your symptoms, developmental history, current functioning, and any other conditions that might be relevant. Validated tools may be used during the session.

Stage five: diagnostic outcome

Where possible, your clinician shares the outcome on the day. They explain the reasoning, answer your questions, and outline next steps.

Stage six: written report

Within ten working days, you receive a comprehensive written diagnostic report. It includes the outcome, the clinical rationale, recommended next steps, and signposting where helpful.