Locations
Appointments are available at the Royal Free Hospital. Skype consultations are also available. Appointments last 50 minutes and are during the day.
Fees
You can refer yourself. I also accept referrals from GPs, mental health professionals, case workers, solicitors and other health care practitioners.
You may be self-funding or your assessment and treatment may be covered by your private health insurance. I am registered with most private health insurances, including BUPA, Aviva, Cigna, Vitality Health and WPA. If you plan to use your private health insurance, you will need to have a pre-authorisation code before you can arrange an appointment.
Fees vary depending on location and the type of appointment. Assessment sessions always involve a detailed letter with any treatment recommendations.
Assessment and treatment
Assessment
At your first appointment, we discuss the reason you are attending a psychological assessment. The assessment process is also an opportunity for you to tell me about how you are affected by any problems, any help you may have had and what you would like to be different.
Towards the end of your assessment, I would hope to have a good picture of how things are for you and we might have an understanding of why things are that way. This would also allow me to discuss what might be helpful ways forward and any psychological treatment options. I might also ask you to complete some questionnaires as part of this assessment.
An assessment often consists of one appointment, though can be more. You may wish to bring along a friend or relative to your assessment as a support or to help us get a better understanding of the difficulties you are experiencing.
Treatment
I offer evidence-based psychological treatment for a range of difficulties.
Psychological treatment can also be an important contributor to preparation for a variety of medical treatments or can form part of a joint approach. Its aim is to ensure that psychological difficulties are addressed, psychological barriers are removed and appropriate support is available. There is evidence that this can increase engagement with treatments, including rehabilitation.
Psychological treatment can also be a stand-alone intervention that can resolve difficulties, which are not impacting on health treatments.
Appointments can be agreed at different, though usually regular, time intervals. Treatment is usually face-to-face though can at times also include Skype consultations. I am also able to do home visits, though the travel time is chargeable.
Confidentiality
I will explain more about confidentiality at your first meeting, the limits to confidentiality and also answer questions you may have. You can read more detailed information about this in my privacy policy. I make notes during our conversations and this, alongside any referrals I receive or write about you, form part of your record. This information is stored according to the General Data Protection Regulations. I am also registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).
Most of the time, matters we discuss remain confidential. However, if you have been referred by a health professional, they will often want or require a letter that includes a summary of the assessment and recommendations. I will discuss with you the information I intend to send to your referrer and provide you with an opportunity to let me know what you may not wish to be shared. You will always receive a copy of any letters I write about you. Sometimes I might need to contact other health care professionals as part of your care or your health insurance company may require a letter from me. I will always discuss this with you first.
CONTACT
Please use the contact form to ask questions or arrange appointments. Alternatively you can email info@estherhansen.co.uk. Please note that data submitted in the contact form and via email will be processed by 3rd parties.
If you wish to discuss personal or sensitive information then you may prefer to call on (0044) 020 3637 0796.
Address
Private Patients, Royal Free Hospital
Pond Street
London
NW3 2QG
info@estherhansen.co.uk
Phone
+44 (0)20 3637 0796