How to Access Treatment


How to be seen at Cardinal Clinic

If you would like to be seen at Cardinal Clinic you will first need to ask your GP for a letter of referral. If you are unsure what to say to your GP or how to say it, please let us know and we can help talk you through the process. Once we have received the referral letter, our referrals manager will make an appointment for you to be seen by one of our Consultant Psychiatrists for an initial assessment.

If you would like to be seen at an alternative location, we also hold clinics in Reading, Wokingham, Basingstoke and Great Missenden. Please ask for details.

Appointments

We will endeavour to offer you an appointment as soon as possible, usually within 7-10 days. However, if your GP feels the matter is urgent we can offer emergency appointments sooner.

Your First Appointment

Your first appointment will be an assessment carried out by one of our Consultant Psychiatrists.

The consultant will conduct a thorough assessment. This will include taking a history of your problem and any relevant medical history, including any medication. Details of any previous treatments will also be taken.

The consultant will use the information to make a diagnosis. He/she will discuss with you the treatment options available to you taking into account the nature of the problem, your circumstances and needs.

Follow-up Appointments

Your follow-up treatment will be undertaken either by the same consultant and/or by one of our therapists.

Confidentiality

Your privacy and patient confidentiality will always be maintained throughout your treatment with us.

We will involve your GP as he/she is the co-ordinator of your medical care. It is important that they are aware of any medication we prescribe during the course of your treatment.

Fees

Cardinal Clinic is an independent psychiatric hospital and therefore fees are payable. Unfortunately, we are unable to take referrals from the NHS.

We are recognised by all the major insurance companies. It is advisable to check the terms of your policy; you will be asked for your insurance details and policy number before coming to the Clinic. We will assist you in accessing your cover.

If you do not have medical insurance, we welcome self-payers and accept payment by cash, cheque or credit card.

Download our Fees document

Length and Type of Treatment

Many of our patients are seen on an out-patient basis. They attend the Clinic for set appointments with their consultant or therapist. The length of treatment will depend on the nature and severity of the problem.

Individuals can also be seen as day-patients. They attend on certain days for either a full day or half day treatment.

Some patients may require an in-patient stay, which is typically 2-3 weeks, after which they progress to becoming a day-patient or out-patient.