About Me
I am an experienced and compassionate Adult consultant psychiatrist with over twenty years of psychiatric practice. I have worked as a consultant psychiatrist in the NHS, the independent sector and the Ministry of Defence. Initially, I specialised in Forensic psychiatry but a few years ago, decided to return to General Psychiatry as a more dynamic field of clinical practice. I continue with a small number of medicolegal assessments, mainly in personal injury cases.
Prior to my psychiatric training, I worked in general medicine and surgery. This invaluable experience formed my overall clinical management of patients, with emphasis not only on mental health symptoms but also physical health issues. I remain interested in new developments and aim to keep up to date with medical progress. This ensures that my patients benefit from a holistic assessment and treatment to maximise their recovery chances.
I have practising privileges at Spire hospital Portsmouth in Hampshire and Priory Hospital Woking in Surrey. I am recognised by all major insurances.
What I Offer
As a Consultant Psychiatrist with a wide range of experience, I aim to address all mental health concerns in a most comprehensive way, following the best up-to-date practice guidelines. I provide assessment and treatment for patients with depression, anxiety, adjustment disorder, panic attacks, menopausal mood changes, stress, obsessive-compulsive disorder, bipolar affective disorder, psychosis, personality disorder, memory problems and other conditions.
The initial assessment offers the opportunity to understand the history and triggers for current problems, and your expectations about treatment and recovery. My approach is non-judgmental and supportive, I believe that everyone has the potential to achieve their goals.
Patients with concerns about their memory could opt for a comprehensive assessment including a memory test. If required, referrals for further investigations including a brain scan or blood tests could be arranged free of charge (*the actual investigations are not included in the appointment fee).
Areas of specialisation
- Complex mood disorders
- Women’s mental health including menopausal mood changes
- Memory problems and cognitive assessments
- Psychiatric treatment for patients after legal cases (personal injury, medical negligence)
Training & Qualifications
I completed my initial psychiatric training at a highly regarded Guy’s and St Thomas’ training scheme in London, then went on to complete my specialist training in forensic psychiatry at equally prestigious and competitive North Thames training scheme in London and Essex. I successfully completed my training and was awarded the Membership of the Royal College of Psychiatrists in 2005, and the Certificate of Completion of Training in 2008.
I have additional training in psychotherapy – in 2010 I successfully completed the intensive training course in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy that was organised by prominent American psychologist Marsha Linehan. Since then, I apply these psychotherapeutic skills in my practice.
I am on the General Medical Council specialist register in Forensic psychiatry. I am approved under section 12(2) of the Mental Health Act as having special experience in the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders.
During my NHS and independent career, I was always involved in teaching and supervision of other doctors and mental health professionals. I was actively involved in the management and clinical governance process. I held a position of a Clinical Director at one of the independent hospitals.
For the past six years, I have been an accredited medical appraiser and provided medical appraisals for the members of the Independent Doctors Federation. As an appraiser, I am involved in regular Quality improvement audits and attend regular training events for medical appraisers.
When making decisions about treatment, I apply the best current evidence- based information and guidelines to help my patients. This includes NICE guidelines, advice from the BNF (British National Formulary), the Royal College of Psychiatrists and other relevant sources.
Qualifications and Memberships
Full registration with a licence to practise by the General Medical Council (GMC)
Member of the Royal College of Psychiatrist (MRCPsych)
Specialist Register in Forensic Psychiatry with the GMC (General Medical Council)
Certificate of Completion of Training in Forensic Psychiatry (CCT)
Approved Clinician and section 12(2) approved under the Mental Health Act
Cardiff University Law School Bond Solon Expert Witness Certificate and CPR35 Certificate
Member of the Independent Doctors Federation
Member of the General Adult Psychiatry and Neuropsychiatry Faculty at the Royal College of Psychiatrists
Member of a Special interest group at the Royal College of Psychiatrists in Private Practice & Independent Practice and Women & Mental Health
Rates
From 1.7.2021
Initial face to face consultation £300 (75 min)
Initial online consultation £270 (75 min)
Follow up face to face consultation £200 (45 min)
Follow up online consultation £170 (45 min)
Telephone consultation (for existing patients only) £50 (15 min)
Repeat prescription outside of the appointments £15
For patients with private health insurance – prior authorisation is required, please check with your insurance provider.