Private Psychiatry in London
At Central Health London, our experienced team of consultant psychiatrists provides comprehensive psychiatric assessments, diagnosis and ongoing treatment for adults.
Based in Marylebone, our private psychiatry service provides expert assessment and treatment across a broad range of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, stress, burnout and perinatal mental health concerns. Our consultants also offer specialist expertise in ADHD, autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions.
We understand the importance of finding the right specialist and receiving clear, considered advice. Whether you are seeking an initial psychiatric assessment, a specialist ADHD or autism assessment, or ongoing treatment and medication management, our consultant-led approach ensures that care is tailored to your individual needs.
Speak to our team in confidence
Begin Your Mental Health Journey with Confidence.
Start your triage form???
Our Private Consultant Psychiatrists.
As part of Central Health London’s wider multidisciplinary team, our psychiatrists can also work closely with psychologists, psychotherapists and other medical specialists to provide coordinated care where appropriate.
Dr Greg Shields
MRCPsych, MBBS, BSc, BA
Consultant Psychiatrist
- General adult psychiatry and ADHD
- Support for cancer and chronic physical illness
- ME/CFS
- Fibromyalgia
- Neuropsychiatry
- Insomnia
“Combining evidence-based clinical medicine with joint decision-making so patients feel informed and supported at every stage.”
Dr Alison Lennox
MA (Cantab) MBBS MRCPsych FHEA
Consultant Neurodevelopmental Psychiatrist
- Adult neurodevelopmental psychiatry
- Adult autism assessments
- Combined autism/ADHD (AuDHD) assessments (17 and over)
“Delivering thorough evaluations to establish clear treatment plans tailored to each individual.”
Dr Chetna Kang
MB BS MRCPsych
Consultant Psychiatrist
- General adult psychiatry & ADHD
- Functional & integrative mental health
- Nutraceuticals and Ayurveda
- Trauma
- Behavioural addictions
“Integrating rigorous medical psychiatry with holistic wellbeing strategies to restore balance and peace of mind.”
Dr James Arkell
MBBS, MA (Cantab), FRCPsych, Dip CBT
Consultant Psychiatrist
- General adult psychiatry & ADHD
- Mild eating disorders
- Treatment-resistant depression
- Failure to launch
- Pilot mental health
“I focus on understanding the whole person, combining precise clinical assessment with a collaborative, empathetic therapeutic relationship.”
Dr Lorna Richards
MBChB(Hons) MRCPsych MA
Consultant Psychiatrist
- General adult psychiatry
- Adolescent and adult eating disorders
- Trauma, body dysmorphic disorder and complex cases
“Providing clear, non-stigmatising assessments that help individuals make sense of their life experiences and strengths.”
Dr Livia Martucci
MBBS, PhD, FRCPsych
Consultant in Perinatal Psychiatry
- Perinatal psychiatry
- Maternal mental illness
- Difficult mother-infant relationship
- Paternal postnatal depression and anxiety preconception assessment and care
- Maternal trauma and loss
- Recurrent miscarriage
“Supporting women and families through pregnancy and early parenthood with gentle, expert psychiatric guidance.”
(Note: Our psychiatric service is exclusively for adults aged 18 and over.
For children and adolescents under 18, please visit our dedicated Child & Adolescent Mental Health page).
What We Treat and Assess.
We provide evidence-based assessments for a wide spectrum of mental health and neurodevelopmental conditions. Booking an assessment provides a comprehensive clinical review; please note that an assessment may or may not result in a formal diagnosis.
General Psychiatric Assessment
- Who it is for: Adults (18+) concerned about anxiety, depression, low mood, sleep disturbances, bipolar disorder, or stress. It also suits individuals who suspect they may be neurodivergent but wish to have a broad clinical evaluation first to ensure all aspects of their mental health are considered.
- Duration & Format: A comprehensive, unhurried clinical consultation with a private consultant psychiatrist lasting 60 to 90 minutes, conducted in person at our Marylebone clinic or securely via online video.
- What you receive: A detailed written report outlining the consultant’s diagnostic formulation, personalised recommendations, a copy for your GP (with your consent), and a clear treatment plan.
- Price: From £500 (if you wish to use private medical insurance please check that the consultant is accepted with your provider).
Neurodivergence Assessments
- Who it is for: Adults seeking formal evaluation for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC), or combined neurodivergence (AuDHD).
- Duration & Format: Multi-stage diagnostic frameworks involving pre-assessment questionnaires, observational clinical interviews, collateral history where appropriate, and formal diagnostic reporting. Multi-session pathways delivered in clinic or via secure video appointments.
- What you receive: Comprehensive diagnostic reports, tailored practical recommendations, post-diagnostic psychological signposting, and medication titration options (for ADHD where clinically appropriate).
- Price & Cover: Specific pathway pricing applies; insurance coverage varies depending on individual policy terms.
How a General Psychiatric Assessment Works.
Understanding what happens during a psychiatric evaluation helps make your first appointment feel safe and manageable:
Before Your Appointment
- Online Triage: Complete our confidential triage form. This helps our clinical team understand your needs, ensure our service is appropriate for you and, if you haven’t chosen a psychiatrist, identify the consultant best suited to your requirements.
- Clinical Background: You are welcome to submit a GP referral letter, medical records, or a current medication list prior to your consultation.
During Your Consultation (60 to 90 Minutes)
Your consultant psychiatrist will explore:
- Presenting Concerns: What brought you to the clinic and how it affects your daily life, work, and relationships.
- Mental Health History: Previous emotional health challenges, therapy, or prior psychiatric diagnoses.
- Physical Health: Current physical conditions, lifestyle, and prescribed medications.
- Family & Social Background: Family history of physical or mental health conditions, personal history, education, and social support.
- Lifestyle Factors: Discussion regarding alcohol, caffeine, and substance use.
- Safety Review: A sensitive, open discussion regarding your physical safety and current stress levels.
- Mental State Examination: A standard clinical observation of how you are feeling and presenting on the day.
- Collaborative Formulation: Discussion of the psychiatrist’s diagnostic findings and co-creating a tailored management plan.
After Your Appointment
- Written Clinical Report: You receive a detailed report or clinic letter, typically within 5 to 10 working days.
- GP Communication: A copy is shared with your NHS GP, strictly with your consent.
- Treatment Options: Your plan may include private prescription management, onward referral to our in-house psychotherapists, or lifestyle adjustments.
- Ongoing Care: Where ongoing care is needed, your psychiatrist will review your progress and adjust your treatment as appropriate. They can also work closely with other healthcare professionals, including our in-house psychologists and psychotherapists, to ensure your care is coordinated.
(Please note: Our outpatient clinic does not provide emergency crisis care, forensic reporting, or medico-legal court reports.)
How It Works.
Beyond your consultant obstetrician, an experienced multidisciplinary team provides specialist support across maternal, mental and newborn care services.
Complete the Triage Form or Call Us
Fill out our online psychiatry triage form, or call our bookings team who will be happy to go through the form with you over the phone.
Triaging
Our clinical team reviews your information to ensure we can provide the care you need. If you have a preferred psychiatrist, we will arrange an appointment with them where appropriate. If you’re unsure who to see, we’ll help identify the consultant best suited to your needs.
Appointment Booking
Initial Assessment
Your initial consultation will typically last 60 to 90-minutes, either in person or online.
Your Assessment& Treatment Plan
Your psychiatrist will provide a written assessment and discuss their findings and recommendations with you. Depending on your needs, these may include medication, psychological therapies, further investigations or other specialist support.
Follow-Up & Ongoing Support
If ongoing psychiatric treatment is recommended, we will arrange follow-up appointments to review your progress and adjust your treatment as needed.
Private Psychiatry London Fees & Insurance.
We provide complete clarity regarding private psychiatrist cost structures, ensuring both self-paying and insured patients receive equal access to care.
Our psychiatry fees can be found here, if you intend to use private medical insurance, please ensure you have spoken to your provider and have authorisation for the doctor you wish to see. We will ask you to share your authorisation and policy number at time of booking.
For Referring Healthcare Professionals.
We welcome referrals from NHS and private GPs, psychologists, psychotherapists, psychiatrists and other healthcare professionals.
Patients can also contact us directly without a referral. Our clinical triage process helps us establish whether our service is appropriate and, where needed, identify the consultant psychiatrist best suited to their needs
How to Refer
Send secure written referrals via email at: info@centralhealthlondon.com
Information to Include
Reason for referral, relevant clinical history, current medication list, and any recent physical health investigations.
Next Steps
Upon receiving a referral, our bookings team contacts the patient to complete their triage information and assign the appropriate consultant psychiatrist.
Integrated Communication
Following the assessment, the referring GP receives a detailed clinical letter detailing the consultant’s diagnostic opinion and proposed treatment plan.
Our Patient Experiences.
Private Psychiatry FAQs.
What is the typical wait time for a private psychiatrist appointment in London?
We aim to provide care as quickly as possible and the time length for a practitioner can vary depending on which psychiatrist you wish to see. We do offer a rapid access service, where different fees apply, please ask our team about this.
Do I need a GP referral to book a private psychiatrist?
A GP referral is not strictly required. However, if you are using private medical insurance, your insurer may require a GP referral letter to authorize treatment.
What should I bring to my initial psychiatric assessment?
We recommend bringing a list of your current medications, any past psychiatric or psychological reports, relevant medical history, and details of your NHS GP.
What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist?
A consultant psychiatrist is a qualified medical doctor who can evaluate physical and mental health, formulate medical diagnoses, and prescribe pharmacological treatments. A clinical psychologist holds a doctorate in psychology and delivers structured talking therapies (such as CBT or EMDR) without prescribing medication.
Can I receive my assessment via online video consultation?
Yes. We offer secure online video assessments across the UK as well as in-person appointments at our quiet Marylebone clinic in Central London.
Not sure where to start?
Contact Our Psychiatry Team
To speak with our team in confidence or arrange an initial assessment at our London psychiatry clinic, please get in touch.
Opening Hours
Monday – Friday: 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
Saturday: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Location
Central Health London, Marylebone, London
Urgent Crisis Support.
Central Health London provides scheduled outpatient psychiatric assessments and care. We are not an emergency crisis service and cannot accommodate immediate mental health emergencies.
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, experiencing severe self-harm urges, or experiencing an acute mental health crisis, please take immediate action:
Call 999
or go directly to your nearest hospital Accident & Emergency (A&E) department.
Call NHS 111
and select Option 2 for 24/7 NHS mental health services.
Call Samaritans
on 116 123 for free, confidential emotional support available 24 hours a day