Private Psychiatry in London — Consultant-Led Assessment and Care
See a GMC-registered consultant psychiatrist in London for diagnosis, medication advice, second opinions and medically informed mental health treatment.
GMC registered
Medical doctors specialising in psychiatric assessment and treatment
Consultant-led care
Private psychiatry with continuity and same-week availability
60–90 mins
Typical length of a first private psychiatric assessment
Medication + diagnosis
Useful when therapy alone may not answer the full clinical question
Same consultant
Private care can offer stronger continuity than fragmented pathways
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What private psychiatry in London involves
What a consultant psychiatrist does
A consultant psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specialises in mental health. That means they can assess symptoms in medical context, consider physical health and medication interactions, make or clarify diagnoses and prescribe treatment where it is appropriate. When people search for a private psychiatrist London, they are often trying to answer a different question from the one therapy alone answers: not only why they feel the way they do, but whether medication, diagnostic review or a more medical treatment pathway is needed.
Psychiatry appointments are especially useful when symptoms are severe, long-standing, hard to interpret or not responding well to first-line treatment. A consultant psychiatrist can evaluate mood disorders, anxiety disorders, ADHD, bipolar presentations, OCD, psychosis, trauma-related conditions and more complex overlapping pictures. Good psychiatry is not just about prescribing. It is about deciding carefully what kind of intervention makes sense, what should be ruled out, and whether therapy, lifestyle change, medication or combined care is most likely to help.
Private vs NHS psychiatric care in London
For many clients, the appeal of private psychiatry in London is speed, time and continuity. NHS care does important work, but waits can be long and appointments can feel compressed when demand is high. Private psychiatry usually offers faster access, longer initial assessments and the chance to stay with the same consultant over time.
That does not automatically make private care better for every person or every condition. What it does mean is that if you need clarity quickly, want time for a nuanced discussion or are seeking a second opinion on treatment that is already underway, private care can create a more responsive route into specialist psychiatric thinking.
Conditions our psychiatrists treat
Private psychiatry is commonly used for depression, anxiety disorders, ADHD, OCD, bipolar disorder, trauma-related symptoms, complex mood presentations and cases where diagnosis is unclear. It can also be useful when several problems overlap — for example anxiety with insomnia and suspected ADHD, or depression with possible bipolar features.
Psychiatrists also contribute where risk, medication side effects, treatment resistance or medico-legal questions are part of the picture. In many cases, the most effective care is collaborative: psychiatric input for diagnosis and medication, alongside psychotherapy or clinical psychology for deeper psychological work.
Consultant psychiatrist services
Private psychiatry is not one single offer. These are the kinds of appointments clients most commonly look for.
Psychiatric assessment
Comprehensive first appointments focused on diagnosis, current symptoms, risk, history and a clear treatment plan.
Medication management
Thoughtful prescribing, medication reviews and monitoring when medication may be helpful or needs adjusting.
Second opinions
Independent review when a diagnosis is unclear, treatment is not working or you want a consultant perspective before making changes.
Medico-legal reports
Formal psychiatric opinions and reports where legal, occupational or insurance contexts require specialist medical evidence.
When to see a psychiatrist rather than a therapist or GP
Therapy and GP care are often enough. Psychiatry becomes especially helpful when the clinical question is more medical, more complex or more urgent.
Medication may be needed and you want specialist advice on whether it is indicated, not just possible.
The diagnosis is unclear, overlapping or complicated by bipolarity, ADHD, trauma, OCD or severe mood change.
You want a second opinion on current treatment because progress has stalled or side effects are difficult to manage.
You need a formal psychiatric report for work, legal, insurance or medico-legal reasons.
Reliable public information on psychiatry
These resources help explain psychiatric care, medication and when medical input becomes relevant in mental health treatment.
RCPsych patient information
Accessible explanations of psychiatric conditions, treatment and consultant care.
NHS mental health guidance
Broad information on symptoms, treatment routes and when to seek urgent support.
Mind on psychiatric medication
Balanced information on medication, side effects and treatment decisions.
Fees & booking
Transparent pricing for private psychiatry in london — consultant-led assessment and care
Clients never pay more with us than going direct, and our therapists offer their best rates.
Recommended psychiatrists
Online via Google MeetDr Ayobami YusuffPsychiatrist
As a Consultant Psychiatrist with nearly ten years of dedicated practice, I bring clinical expertise and genuine empathy to support you on your journey to mental well-being. I have worked across the UK, Australia, and Nigeria in acute hospital settings, community teams, forensic units, and neurodevelopmental services, giving me a broad and nuanced understanding of mental health across cultures and systems. I am a proud member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists and the International Society for Sports Psychiatry. I hold advanced degrees in Clinical Psychiatry and Executive Management, as well as certification as a Management Consultant. My specialist training includes working with elite athletes, including performance anxiety, injury-related psychological distress, and the pressures of high-performance environments. My clinical experience covers anxiety and depression, complex trauma, personality disorders, ADHD, psychosis (including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder), as well as forensic and medico-legal assessments, including capacity assessments and tribunal reports. I have also contributed to peer-reviewed research, national audits, and international conferences.
Dr Alessandro BrunoPsychiatrist
I am a medical doctor specialising in Psychiatry. I work as a Consultant in Eating Disorders at Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, as well as in private practice in London and Oxford. I trained in Medicine and Psychiatry in Italy, where I also held a Consultant position in General Adult Psychiatry and Community-Based Rehabilitation. During this period, I collaborated with the Institute of Psychiatry at King’s College London. My clinical expertise includes eating disorders, ADHD, depression, anxiety, PTSD, substance and non-substance addictions, personality disorders, psychosis, and bipolar affective disorder. I also have a strong interest in the physical comorbidities that frequently accompany psychiatric conditions.
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Frequently asked questions about private psychiatry in London
These are the questions people usually ask when they are deciding whether they need a psychiatrist specifically, rather than therapy alone.
What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist?
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can diagnose medically, prescribe medication and assess risk in a medical context. A psychologist usually focuses on assessment, formulation and talking therapy rather than prescribing.
Will I definitely be prescribed medication?
No. Good psychiatry is not automatic prescribing. A consultant psychiatrist should help you understand whether medication is likely to help, what the alternatives are and whether therapy or combined care makes more sense.
How long is a private psychiatric assessment?
First appointments commonly last around 60 to 90 minutes so there is enough time to take a proper history, understand current symptoms and discuss treatment options carefully.
Can a psychiatrist work with my GP?
Yes. With your consent, psychiatrists often liaise with GPs so treatment is coordinated and, where appropriate, shared-care arrangements can be discussed.
Should I see a psychiatrist or a therapist first?
If the main issue is medication, diagnostic uncertainty, risk, severe mood change or a need for a second opinion, psychiatry is often the stronger first step. If the main issue is emotional processing, anxiety, grief or relationship patterns, therapy may be the better starting point.
Do psychiatrists provide therapy as well?
Some do, but many mainly focus on diagnosis, medication and treatment planning. In practice, many clients benefit from psychiatric input alongside therapy rather than instead of it.
Can you help with ADHD and bipolar assessments?
Yes. These are common reasons people seek private psychiatry, especially when symptoms are overlapping, longstanding or affecting work and daily functioning.
Is private psychiatry only for severe cases?
No. People also seek it for clarity, speed, second opinions and medication review, not only for acute or severe mental illness.
This page is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are concerned about private psychiatry in london — consultant-led assessment and care, please speak with a qualified therapist or your GP. In a crisis, call 999 or Samaritans on 116 123.
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