Best psychologists in Edinburgh

Edinburgh psychologists for therapy, trauma support and specialist assessments

Finding psychological support involves more than choosing the closest practice or the practitioner with the longest list of therapies.

The term psychologist can describe several regulated specialisms, including clinical, counselling, forensic, health and occupational psychology. Edinburgh practices may also employ counsellors, psychotherapists, cognitive behavioural therapists and coaches whose qualifications and regulatory arrangements differ.

Each profession can provide valuable support, but clients should understand who they are booking and whether that practitioner’s training matches the reason for seeking help.

A person experiencing anxiety or work-related stress may benefit from structured psychological therapy or counselling. Someone living with complex trauma may need a practitioner with relevant specialist experience. Autism and ADHD assessments require a properly designed diagnostic pathway, while a person seeking medication needs a medical prescriber such as a psychiatrist rather than a psychologist alone.

The therapeutic relationship is also important.

Qualifications establish professional standing, but effective therapy still depends on whether the client feels heard, respected and able to discuss difficult experiences without pressure. It is reasonable to ask about the practitioner’s approach before committing to continuing sessions.

Before booking, clients should establish:

• The practitioner’s professional title
• HCPC registration where a protected psychologist title is used
• Other professional memberships
• Experience with the presenting concern
• Type of therapy offered
• Session length
• Current fee
• Cancellation policy
• Online or face-to-face availability
• Insurance arrangements
• Whether formal diagnosis or reporting is included
• What happens if the practitioner is not the right fit
• How urgent or high-risk concerns are handled

This guide compares four established Edinburgh psychology services with different strengths across individual therapy, workplace and occupational psychology, trauma, children and families, neurodevelopmental assessment and wider multidisciplinary care.

How the psychology services were selected

The practices were considered against factors relevant to people seeking private psychological care in Edinburgh:

• Professional credentials: Practitioner psychologists should hold appropriate qualifications and current HCPC registration for their protected title.
• Clear practitioner roles: Practices should distinguish psychologists from counsellors, psychotherapists, coaches and other professionals.
• Relevant clinical experience: The selection includes services for anxiety, trauma, workplace concerns, children, families and neurodevelopmental assessment.
• Evidence-informed care: Practitioners should explain their therapeutic approaches without presenting one method as universally effective.
• Assessment quality: Diagnostic and specialist assessments should involve an appropriate clinical process rather than a brief checklist.
• Pricing clarity: Published session fees are included where available.
• Accessibility: Evening, weekend, online and in-person options are considered.
• Insurance: Recognition by private medical insurers is included where stated.
• Continuity: Clients should know whether they will see one practitioner consistently or may be matched within a larger team.
• Scope and referral: Responsible services should recognise when psychiatric, medical, safeguarding or emergency support is needed.

Inclusion is editorial and does not constitute a clinical recommendation or guarantee that a particular treatment or assessment will be suitable.

What is the difference between a psychologist, counsellor and psychiatrist?

The titles are often used interchangeably in everyday conversation, but they represent different roles.

Practitioner psychologist

The Health and Care Professions Council regulates protected psychologist titles including:

• Clinical psychologist
• Counselling psychologist
• Forensic psychologist
• Health psychologist
• Occupational psychologist
• Educational psychologist
• Sport and exercise psychologist

A person using one of these protected titles must be registered with the HCPC.

Psychologists generally have advanced academic and professional training in psychological theory, assessment and intervention. Their exact work depends on their specialism.

Counsellor or psychotherapist

Counsellor and psychotherapist are not regulated by the HCPC in the same way as protected psychologist titles.

Practitioners may belong to professional organisations such as:

• British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy
• UK Council for Psychotherapy
• COSCA
• National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society

Clients should check the practitioner’s qualification, accreditation and professional register.

Psychiatrist

A psychiatrist is a medically qualified doctor specialising in mental health.

Psychiatrists can:

• Diagnose mental-health conditions
• Consider physical and medical factors
• Prescribe medication
• Review medication
• Arrange medical investigations
• Provide psychiatric reports

Psychologists do not usually prescribe medication.

Coach

A coach may help with:

• Career planning
• Leadership
• Confidence
• Performance
• Decision-making
• Workplace development
• Personal goals

Coaching is not a substitute for clinical treatment when someone is experiencing a significant mental-health condition or acute risk.

How to check a psychologist’s registration

Clients can search the HCPC register using:

• The practitioner’s surname
• The practitioner’s registration number
• The relevant psychology profession

The result should show:

• Name
• Registration status
• Registration number
• Approximate location
• Psychology modality
• Any conditions or cautions

A status of registered means the professional appears on the register without a current restriction shown against that status.

Clients should check the specific practitioner they will see rather than assuming every person working at a psychology practice is an HCPC-registered psychologist.

How much does a psychologist cost in Edinburgh?

Current fees vary according to practitioner qualifications, assessment type and service model.

Assessment fees can be substantially higher where the service includes:

• Diagnostic interviews
• Standardised questionnaires
• School or family information
• Multiple professionals
• Psychiatric review
• Written reports
• Feedback appointments
• Recommendations
• Liaison with other professionals

Clients should ask for the full expected cost rather than only the price of the first appointment.

What should the first therapy session include?

An initial appointment may explore:

• Current difficulties
• Relevant history
• Important relationships
• Physical health
• Medication
• Previous therapy
• Work or education
• Sleep
• Substance use
• Risk and safety
• Goals
• Preferred way of working
• Whether another service may be more suitable

The practitioner should explain:

• Their professional role
• Confidentiality
• Limits to confidentiality
• Fees
• Cancellation terms
• Session length
• Record keeping
• Communication outside appointments
• Proposed therapeutic approach
• How progress will be reviewed

The first session does not need to resolve the problem. Its purpose is often to understand the concern, assess suitability and decide whether both parties are comfortable proceeding.

Edinburgh Psychology & Coaching

Phone: 0131 215 1066

Consulting availability:

• Monday to Friday
• Daytime and evening appointments vary by practitioner
• Saturday appointments are available with selected practitioners
• Face-to-face and online sessions are offered

Website

Edinburgh Psychology & Coaching is the trading name of the Craigie Partnership, an Edinburgh psychology practice established in 2004.

The service combines:

• Psychological therapy
• Counselling
• Cognitive behavioural therapy
• Occupational psychology
• Coaching psychology
• Career counselling
• Workplace support
• Employee assistance
• Professional supervision

The practice is led by David Craigie, an HCPC-registered occupational psychologist and chartered coaching psychologist with more than 25 years of adult mental-health experience.

His work includes both clinical support and workplace-focused psychology.

This combination may suit people whose concerns overlap with:

• Work stress
• Burnout
• Confidence
• Career change
• Leadership
• Redundancy
• Retirement
• Anxiety
• Panic
• Low mood
• Self-esteem
• Professional development

The wider team includes psychologists, psychological therapists, CBT therapists, counsellors and psychotherapists.

Not every team member is a practitioner psychologist. Clients should review the individual profile and professional registration before booking.

Therapeutic approaches

Depending on the practitioner, approaches may include:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
• Compassion-focused approaches
• Integrative therapy
• Counselling
• Psychological formulation
• Coaching psychology
• Career counselling
• Workplace-focused intervention

A client does not need to choose a therapy model without guidance.

The practice can use enquiry information to suggest a practitioner whose training and availability appear relevant.

Current fees

Self-funded fees published from April 2025 include:

Sessions are available face to face or online.

Organisation-funded and employee-assistance appointments currently cost:

• Initial assessment: £120
• Continuing session: £110

Insurance rates differ from self-funded rates and should be confirmed directly.

Several practitioners are recognised by insurers including Bupa, AXA, Aviva, WPA and Cigna, although recognition varies by individual practitioner.

Coaching services

The practice provides coaching in areas such as:

• Leadership
• Career decisions
• Interview preparation
• Redundancy
• Retirement
• Confidence
• Workplace stress
• Occupational testing
• Professional development
• Business psychology

Coaching with a chartered coaching psychologist currently costs:

• Initial assessment: £110
• Continuing session: £100

Therapy and coaching may overlap, but they should not be treated as identical.

Someone experiencing significant symptoms should receive an appropriate psychological assessment rather than being moved automatically into performance coaching.

Cancellation policy

The practice requests 48 hours’ notice for cancellations.

A late cancellation may lead to a room or appointment charge.

Clients should confirm the exact terms with the individual practitioner because contracts can vary by service and funding method.

Services include

• Individual psychological therapy
• CBT
• Counselling
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
• Coaching psychology
• Occupational psychology
• Career counselling
• Workplace stress support
• Employee assistance
• Leadership coaching
• Redundancy and retirement support
• Online therapy
• Insurance-funded treatment
• Professional supervision

Best suited to: Adults seeking therapy or coaching where mental health, work, career decisions and personal development overlap.

Pros

• Operating through the Craigie Partnership since 2004
• Led by an HCPC-registered occupational psychologist
• Psychology, therapy and coaching within one practice
• City-centre location
• Online appointments
• Published self-funded fees
• Psychologist sessions from £90
• Workplace and employee-assistance services
• Support for career and leadership concerns
• Several therapeutic approaches
• Insurance-funded options
• Matching across a multidisciplinary team

Customer reviews

Helped me get back to the real me again

“Sarah McLaren helped me get back to the real me again which I felt I never would after the most stressful period of my life. I cant overestimate the benefit not just to me but also to my family. No hesitation in recommending Sarah.”

• Margot Hood, Google review

She made me feel at ease

“I reached out to the practice in 2019 and after an initial assessment, I started to see Samantha. She made me feel at ease; a great professional who taught me so much about myself and gave me the tools to improve. I cannot believe where I am today compared to where I was then. Even through periods of stress, I have the tools to deal with these confidently to this day, and I will carry her advice with me always.”

• Zaira Iudice, Google review

Zoë Chouliara Psychology

Edinburgh address: 46 Maryfield, Edinburgh, EH7 5AS

Phone: 07742 728169

Appointments:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekend availability
• Face-to-face appointments in Edinburgh
• North Berwick appointments
• Online sessions across the UK
• Closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day

Website

Zoë Chouliara Psychology is a consultant-led private practice in which every patient is seen personally by Professor Dr Zoë Chouliara.

There are no associate therapists or junior clinicians within the practice.

Zoë describes more than 17 years of specialist experience and works as a counselling and health psychologist, psychotherapist and clinical supervisor.

Her published professional registrations include:

• Health and Care Professions Council
• British Psychological Society
• British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy

The practice works with adults, adolescents, children, couples and families.

Its specialist areas include:

• Trauma
• Complex trauma
• Childhood abuse
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Stress
• Burnout
• Bereavement
• Neurodivergence
• Health psychology
• Long-term health conditions
• Appearance and body-image concerns
• Gender-related care
• Identity
• Couples and family concerns
• Medico-legal assessment
• Psychological reports

Zoë works in English and Greek and is trained to work with interpreters.

Consultant-led model

The main advantage of a sole consultant-led practice is continuity.

The same practitioner handles:

• Initial enquiry
• Assessment
• Therapy
• Formulation
• Specialist reporting
• Continuing care

The limitation is capacity. There is no wider internal team to provide an immediate alternative if the practitioner is unavailable or not the right fit.

Clients should ask about current waiting times and referral options before beginning a time-sensitive assessment.

Current therapy fees

Published fees include:

Therapy sessions normally last 50 to 60 minutes and can take place:

• Face to face
• Online
• By telephone

Weekly sessions are the usual model, although the appropriate frequency should be discussed individually.

Specialist assessment fees

Current published specialist assessment fees include:

Other reports and assessments may require an individual quotation.

The practice advertises neurodivergence work involving adults and children, including autism and ADHD. Clients should confirm whether the requested service is:

• Therapeutic support
• Screening
• Psychological assessment
• Formal diagnostic assessment
• A multidisciplinary assessment
• A report accepted by schools, employers or medical services

These are not interchangeable.

Cancellation policy

The practice requires 24 hours’ notice.

The full session fee can be charged for a late cancellation, including the initial appointment.

Insurance

Zoë is registered with several major private medical insurers.

Clients should obtain authorisation and confirm:

• Session allowance
• Excess
• Approved fee
• Whether reports are covered
• Whether assessment work is excluded
• Whether the clinic bills directly

Services include

• Individual psychological therapy
• Trauma and complex-trauma work
• Child and adolescent support
• Couples and family work
• Health psychology
• Neurodivergence support
• Psychological assessments
• Gender-care assessments
• Medico-legal reports
• Appearance and body-image work
• Clinical supervision
• English- and Greek-language therapy
• Online treatment
• Insurance-funded care

Best suited to: Clients seeking continuous consultant-led work for trauma, complexity, identity, health psychology or specialist psychological assessment.

Pros

• Every client is seen by the practice director
• HCPC, BPS and BACP registrations stated
• More than 17 years of specialist experience
• Trauma and complex-trauma focus
• Health-psychology expertise
• Adults, children, couples and families
• English and Greek sessions
• Online appointments
• Weekend availability
• Clear therapy and assessment fees
• Specialist report services
• No transfer between associate clinicians

Customer reviews

A positive and pragmatic attitude

“I couldn’t recommend Zoe enough - she has helped me massively deal with some difficult issues and learn more about myself in the process. She is a powerhouse of knowledge, has a deep understanding of how I personally work and has an empathetic approach to any challenges I have. She has a very positive and pragmatic attitude which works! I can honestly say that I would not be in the better situation that I am now if it wasn’t for her help.”

• K Max89, Google review

Fantastic with children

“My experience with Zoe has been nothing but amazing. I took my son to Zoe who struggles with his emotions and was going through an ASD/ADHD diagnosis. She grew his confidence, helped him express his emotions and really brought him out of his shell. She’s fantastic with children but has also been fantastic for me as well.”

• Teri Gillies, Google review

First Psychology Edinburgh

Main Edinburgh centre: 29 St Patrick Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9EY

Phone: 0131 668 1440

Usual consulting hours:

• Monday to Friday: 8:30 AM to 9:30 PM
• Saturday: 9 AM to 5 PM
• Sunday: Closed
• Exact availability varies by practitioner

Website

First Psychology Edinburgh is part of a larger independent Scottish psychology, counselling and therapy organisation directed by counselling psychologist Professor Ewan Gillon.

The service provides access to a broad network of:

• Chartered psychologists
• Counselling psychologists
• Clinical psychologists
• Counsellors
• Psychotherapists
• CBT therapists
• EMDR practitioners
• Couples counsellors
• Coaches

The large-team model allows the administrative service to match clients according to:

• Presenting concern
• Preferred therapy
• Practitioner experience
• Budget
• Location
• Online or in-person preference
• Day and time availability

This can be useful for clients who are uncertain which professional or therapeutic approach to choose.

The practice works with:

• Adults
• Children
• Young people
• Couples
• Families
• Employers
• Organisations

Therapeutic services

Depending on practitioner training, services can include:

• Counselling
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
• Psychotherapy
• Counselling psychology
• Clinical psychology
• EMDR
• Couples counselling
• Family support
• Coaching
• Stress management
• Trauma therapy
• Anxiety treatment
• Depression support
• Bereavement work
• Neurodivergence-informed therapy

Not every practitioner offers every service.

Clients should review the named practitioner’s profile, qualifications and fee before confirming an appointment.

Current fees

Sessions normally last 50 to 60 minutes.

Published self-funded fee bands are:

Individual practitioner profiles provide exact fees.

Some practitioners offer concessions.

The original draft stated that First Psychology’s fees are generally higher than standard local rates. Current published bands overlap substantially with other private services, so that judgement has been removed.

Insurance and payment

First Psychology accepts payment through:

• Bank transfer
• Debit card
• Credit card
• Cash
• Approved medical insurance

Insurance recognition differs by practitioner.

Clients should confirm that the selected professional is accepted by the insurer before starting treatment.

Practitioner matching

The administrative team can discuss the enquiry and suggest a practitioner.

This does not remove the client’s responsibility to check:

• Professional title
• Registration
• Specialist experience
• Therapeutic approach
• Fee
• Availability

A client can ask to change practitioner where the match does not feel suitable.

Changing therapist should be discussed openly where possible, particularly if the concern relates to the therapeutic approach rather than scheduling.

Services include

• Chartered psychologist appointments
• Counselling
• CBT
• Psychotherapy
• EMDR
• Couples counselling
• Child and adolescent therapy
• Family work
• Coaching
• Online therapy
• Organisation-funded support
• Insurance-funded sessions
• Several Edinburgh locations and online options
• Practitioner matching

Best suited to: Clients who value a broad choice of practitioners, therapies, appointment times and fee levels within one established organisation.

Pros

• Large multidisciplinary network
• Led by a counselling psychologist
• Psychologists, counsellors and therapists
• Evening appointments
• Saturday consultations
• Published fee bands
• Therapy from £70
• Psychologist sessions from £90
• Support for adults, children, couples and families
• CBT and EMDR options
• Practitioner-matching service
• Insurance-funded treatment
• Online appointments

Customer reviews

A wide range of helpful services

“Great admin staff, prompt communication following initial enquiries. Staff are very professional, non-judgemental, reassuring and easy to get along with. They offer a wide range of helpful services. Accessible locations, rooms are light and comfortable. I was anxious about the first appointment but as soon as I met Ewan and noticed the calm, peaceful surroundings I felt quite relaxed.”

• Rachel McNay, Google review

Referred to a suitable practitioner

“Very sympathetic admin staff, who are able to listen to your enquiry and refer you to a suitable practitioner based on your needs. I inquired about sessions with Lucy Clark and she was very honest about what she could provide. As my requirements were more than what Skype could provide and if her skills and experience would not be suitable she suggested being referred to a specialist in the area of my difficulties. Something that I valued.”

• H Whyte, Google review

The Purple House Clinic Edinburgh

Phone: 0131 563 0868

Administrative hours:

• Monday to Friday
• Appointment hours depend on practitioner and service
• Online and face-to-face options vary

Website

The Purple House Clinic Edinburgh is a multidisciplinary psychology and mental-health service led by clinical director Sarah Gallacher.

Sarah is an HCPC-registered forensic psychologist and associate fellow of the British Psychological Society with more than 20 years of experience across public services and private practice.

The Edinburgh team includes psychologists and allied mental-health professionals working with:

• Adults
• Children
• Adolescents
• Families
• Schools
• Employers
• Insurers
• Solicitors
• Other referring organisations

The clinic describes its service as:

• Trauma informed
• Neurodiversity affirming
• Values led
• Multidisciplinary
• Family focused

Areas of support

Services can include:

• Adult psychological therapy
• Child and adolescent psychology
• Family support
• Trauma
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Physical-health-related psychology
• Psychosexual concerns
• Autism assessment
• ADHD assessment
• Neurodevelopmental support
• Specialist reports
• Organisational referrals
• Psychiatry for children and adolescents

Not every service is provided by a psychologist alone.

A neurodevelopmental or psychiatric pathway may involve several professionals, depending on the person’s age and the assessment required.

Neurodevelopmental assessments

The Purple House Clinic provides autism and ADHD assessment services for children, adolescents and adults.

Before booking, clients should ask for a complete pathway describing:

• Professionals involved
• Number of appointments
• Developmental history
• Informant questionnaires
• School information
• Standardised assessment tools
• Psychiatric involvement
• Diagnostic decision
• Feedback
• Written report
• Recommendations
• Post-assessment support
• Total cost
• Expected timeframe

A useful neurodevelopmental assessment should consider the person’s life history and functioning across different settings rather than rely solely on one questionnaire.

The clinic does not publish a simple universal fee for every assessment because pathways differ. A written quotation should be obtained before proceeding.

Child and adolescent psychiatry

The Edinburgh clinic offers child and adolescent psychiatry.

A psychiatrist may become involved where:

• Medication is being considered
• A medical diagnostic opinion is required
• ADHD treatment is being explored
• Symptoms require medical assessment
• Physical and psychological factors overlap

The clinic states that its Edinburgh psychiatric service is regulated by Healthcare Improvement Scotland.

This regulation applies to the relevant independent healthcare service. It does not mean that every psychological practitioner in Scotland is regulated by HIS in the same way.

Therapy and assessment team

The wider team includes professionals with different protected titles and areas of practice.

Clients should confirm:

• Who will conduct each appointment
• Professional registration
• Whether the practitioner can diagnose
• Who signs the final report
• Whether the practitioner is recognised by an insurer
• Whether the service is therapy or formal assessment

Prices

The clinic asks clients to contact the team for current fees.

This is particularly important for:

• Autism assessment
• ADHD assessment
• Psychiatric consultation
• Combined neurodevelopmental pathways
• Specialist reports
• Insurance-funded work
• Legal or organisational referrals

The quotation should distinguish:

• Initial consultation
• Assessment appointments
• Psychiatric review
• Questionnaires
• School liaison
• Report
• Feedback
• Follow-up
• Medication-related appointments where relevant

Services include

• Adult psychology
• Child and adolescent psychology
• Family work
• Trauma-informed therapy
• Neurodiversity-affirming support
• Autism assessment
• ADHD assessment
• Specialist reports
• Physical-health psychology
• Psychosexual services
• Child and adolescent psychiatry
• Private and organisational referrals
• Multidisciplinary pathways

Best suited to: Adults and families seeking multidisciplinary psychological care, child support or formal neurodevelopmental assessment within one clinic.

Pros

• Led by an HCPC-registered forensic psychologist
• More than 20 years of director experience
• Multidisciplinary Edinburgh team
• Adult, child and family services
• Autism and ADHD assessments
• Trauma-informed approach
• Neurodiversity-affirming positioning
• Psychiatry available for children and adolescents
• Healthcare Improvement Scotland-regulated psychiatric service
• Private and organisational referrals
• Specialist psychological reports
• Central Rutland Square location

Customer reviews

The reports were in-depth

“I had a very positive experience with Purple House for both myself and my daughter. Ray assessed and diagnosed both of us and was incredibly thorough in his assessments, and very compassionate. The reports were in depth, and made suggestions on coping strategies and next steps. I would 100% recommend Purple House to anyone thinking of getting assessed for neurodivergence.”

• Anna-Luise Croukamp, Google review

He felt at ease with them

“The team at Purple House Edinburgh did a fantastic job with my son. They treated him with care and professionalism. He felt at ease with them throughout the whole process. I would highly recommend this clinic. They are very compassionate about their job.”

• Stephanie Richardson, Google review

Which Edinburgh psychology service may suit different needs?

The four practices have different structures and strengths.

For work stress, career questions and coaching psychology

Edinburgh Psychology & Coaching provides the clearest overlap between:

• Psychological therapy
• Occupational psychology
• Coaching
• Career counselling
• Workplace services

It may be especially suitable where the problem involves both emotional wellbeing and professional decisions.

For consultant-led trauma and complex work

Zoë Chouliara Psychology provides direct continuity with one senior practitioner.

Its strongest published areas include trauma, health psychology, identity, children, families and specialist assessments.

For the widest practitioner choice

First Psychology offers the broadest selection of:

• Psychologists
• Counsellors
• Psychotherapists
• CBT therapists
• EMDR practitioners
• Couples counsellors
• Coaches

It also provides the longest evening consulting hours among the listed practices.

For autism, ADHD and multidisciplinary family assessment

The Purple House Clinic provides the clearest multidisciplinary assessment structure for children and adults.

It also offers child and adolescent psychiatry at its Edinburgh clinic.

For lower-cost continuing therapy

First Psychology publishes counselling and psychotherapy from £70.

Edinburgh Psychology & Coaching publishes psychological-therapist sessions from £75.

These appointments may be with counsellors or therapists rather than HCPC-registered psychologists, so clients should choose according to need rather than price alone.

Therapy for anxiety and panic

Psychological therapy may help clients understand:

• Triggers
• Physical symptoms
• Avoidance
• Reassurance seeking
• Worry
• Safety behaviours
• Thoughts
• Emotional responses
• Patterns maintaining anxiety

Approaches may include:

• CBT
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
• Exposure-based work
• Compassion-focused therapy
• Psychodynamic therapy
• Integrative therapy
• Mindfulness-informed methods

The practitioner should explain why the proposed approach fits the individual’s concerns.

Trauma therapy

Trauma work should be paced carefully.

Possible approaches include:

• Trauma-focused CBT
• EMDR
• Narrative approaches
• Compassion-focused work
• Stabilisation
• Psychoeducation
• Body and emotion regulation
• Relational therapy
• Integrative psychotherapy

Not every person needs to recount every traumatic event in detail immediately.

A practitioner should assess:

• Current safety
• Dissociation
• Sleep
• Substance use
• Support
• Emotional regulation
• Daily functioning
• Readiness
• Risk
• Previous treatment

Clients should not be promised that one technique will resolve complex trauma within a fixed number of sessions.

Autism and ADHD assessments

A formal assessment should be distinguished from screening.

Screening

Screening questionnaires can identify traits or indicate that fuller assessment may be useful.

They do not independently establish a diagnosis.

Diagnostic assessment

A fuller assessment may involve:

• Clinical interview
• Developmental history
• Informant information
• School or family reports
• Standardised tools
• Review of functioning
• Differential diagnosis
• Multidisciplinary discussion
• Written report
• Feedback

Clients should ask whether the final report will be suitable for:

• NHS care
• Education
• Workplace adjustments
• Disabled Students’ Allowance
• Medication referral
• Benefits
• Legal proceedings

Acceptance depends on the organisation and assessment pathway.

Psychological therapy for children

Children may need support for:

• Anxiety
• Emotional regulation
• Trauma
• Bereavement
• School difficulties
• Behaviour changes
• Family disruption
• Neurodivergence
• Low mood
• Confidence
• Health conditions

Work with children can involve:

• Individual sessions
• Parent consultation
• Family sessions
• School information
• Play or creative methods
• Behavioural planning
• Developmental assessment

Parents should understand:

• What information remains confidential
• What will be shared with parents
• Safeguarding limits
• Whether the child consents to treatment
• How progress will be discussed
• Who receives reports

The child’s developmental level and views should be respected.

Couples therapy

Couples therapy may address:

• Communication
• Conflict
• Trust
• Intimacy
• Parenting
• Separation decisions
• Life transitions
• Repeated patterns
• Affair recovery
• Emotional distance

Couples therapy is not appropriate where joint sessions would increase danger or coercion.

Domestic abuse, intimidation and controlling behaviour require careful individual assessment rather than routine communication exercises.

Online therapy

Online therapy can improve access for clients who:

• Live outside Edinburgh
• Travel frequently
• Have mobility limitations
• Prefer home appointments
• Need continuity during temporary travel
• Cannot attend during office hours

Clients should consider:

• Privacy
• Internet reliability
• Emergency location
• Headphones
• Interruptions
• Data security
• Whether the practitioner can legally work with someone in another country

A private parked car may not provide sufficient confidentiality or comfort for a full therapy session.

Private medical insurance

Psychological treatment may be covered by insurers such as:

• Bupa
• AXA
• Aviva
• WPA
• Cigna
• Vitality

Recognition is practitioner specific.

Before booking, ask the insurer:

• Is this practitioner recognised?
• Do I need a GP referral?
• Is pre-authorisation required?
• How many sessions are approved?
• Is there an excess?
• What fee will the insurer pay?
• Do I pay and reclaim?
• Are assessments covered?
• Are reports covered?
• Does cancellation count against the allowance?

The client remains responsible for unpaid fees.

Confidentiality

Psychological therapy is confidential, but confidentiality has limits.

Information may need to be shared where:

• There is serious risk of harm
• A child or vulnerable person may be at risk
• The law requires disclosure
• A court orders information
• The client agrees to professional liaison
• The practitioner needs confidential supervision
• Insurance or funding arrangements require permitted information

The practitioner should explain the policy at the beginning.

Clients should ask how records are stored, how long they are kept and who can access them.

When urgent help is needed

Private psychology practices are generally appointment services rather than emergency-response providers.

Someone facing immediate danger, a serious medical emergency or an imminent risk of harm should use emergency services rather than wait for a routine private appointment or email response.

A practice should explain its arrangements for:

• Risk disclosed during sessions
• Missed high-risk appointments
• Out-of-hours contact
• Emergency escalation
• Safeguarding
• Liaison with GPs or crisis services

Therapists should not imply that ordinary email access provides continuous crisis support.

Questions to ask before booking

1. What is your protected professional title?
2. Are you HCPC registered?
3. What is your registration number?
4. What experience do you have with this concern?
5. Which therapeutic approach do you use?
6. Why might that approach be suitable?
7. How long is each session?
8. What is the fee?
9. Is the assessment charged differently?
10. What is the cancellation policy?
11. Do you offer online appointments?
12. Are you recognised by my insurer?
13. How will progress be reviewed?
14. What happens if the fit does not feel right?
15. Can I change practitioner?
16. Do you provide formal diagnosis?
17. Is a written report included?
18. How is confidentiality handled?
19. What happens in a crisis?
20. Do you work with my GP or psychiatrist where needed?

A responsible practitioner should be willing to explain the service without pressuring the client to begin immediately.

Frequently asked questions

Final checklist before choosing a psychologist

Before booking psychological therapy or assessment:

• Identify the service needed.
• Check the practitioner’s professional title.
• Verify HCPC registration where relevant.
• Review specialist experience.
• Confirm whether the service is therapy, coaching or diagnosis.
• Ask which approach will be used.
• Check the session length.
• Confirm the exact fee.
• Ask about assessment and report charges.
• Review cancellation terms.
• Confirm online or in-person arrangements.
• Check insurance approval.
• Understand confidentiality.
• Ask how risk and emergencies are handled.
• Confirm who will conduct each assessment stage.
• Ask whether reports are accepted for the intended purpose.
• Discuss accessibility requirements.
• Keep copies of contracts and invoices.
• Review progress after an agreed period.
• Seek another practitioner where the professional fit is not suitable.

Edinburgh Psychology & Coaching provides the clearest combination of psychological therapy, workplace support and coaching. Zoë Chouliara Psychology offers direct consultant-led continuity for trauma, health psychology and specialist assessment. First Psychology provides the broadest choice of practitioners, approaches, fee levels and evening appointments, while The Purple House Clinic is particularly well positioned for children, families and multidisciplinary autism or ADHD assessment.

The strongest choice is the properly qualified practitioner whose experience, therapeutic approach and service structure fit the individual’s needs - not simply the practice with the largest team or longest list of therapies.

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