Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the difference between a Psychiatrist and a Psychologist?
While both professionals treat mental health disorders, the primary difference between a Psychiatrist and a Psychologistlies in their training and approach to treatment. Their educational paths and primary tools are distinct.
Psychiatrists hold a medical degree and have specialized qualifications in psychiatry which allows them to assess and treat both the mental and physical effects of a disorder. They are qualified to prescribe medication (such as antidepressants or mood stabilizers).
Psychologists usually hold a doctoral degree in psychology and specialize in the study of human behaviours and mental processes. A Psychologist assesses and treats mental disorders, cognitive processes, and behavioral problems primarily through psychometric tests (such as IQ tests, personality testing, etc.) and psychological treatment (CBT, EMDR, etc.) to help clients manage chronic or acute problems in individual, family, or group settings. Psychologists do not prescribe medication.
Can a psychologist diagnose?
Psychologists hold a doctoral degree (Psy.D or equivalent) in psychology and are trained to evaluate a person's mental health using a variety of tools, including clinical interviews, comprehensive psychological evaluations, and standardized psychometric testing. Through this thorough assessment process, psychologists are fully qualified to make diagnoses of mental disorders, cognitive processes, and behavioral problems and provide evidence-based treatment, primarily through individual and group psychotherapy.
What if I am not sure if I need a psychiatrist or psychologist for a case?
If the court has not ordered a specific expert, contact us to leverage our team's knowledge. We are ready to suggest the most appropriate psychiatrist or psychologist based on the specific requirements and clinical details of your case.
What is a cognitive assessment?
The assessment involves a series of structured questions and tasks designed to evaluate four distinct areas of functioning:
Verbal Comprehension: The ability to understand verbal information, reason with words, and express thoughts verbally.
Perceptual Reasoning: The ability to organize and reason with visual information and solve visual-spatial problems.
Working Memory: The capacity to retain and manipulate verbal information over a short period.
Processing Speed: The ability to scan, process, and identify information accurately and quickly.
When is cognitive assessment required?
In a medico-legal context, a cognitive assessment is typically required when there is a possibility that an individual's intellectual abilities have been negatively affected by an injury or condition, or when capacity is in question. This is necessary if an individual is presenting with difficulties in any of the following areas:
Capacity: Determining an individual's overall intellectual capacity, which is a foundational element in assessing parental capacity in Family Law or litigation capacity in Injury/Civil Law.
Injury Impact: Assessing the extent of cognitive deficits following a Brain Injury (Traumatic Brain Injury) or significant Psychiatric issues.
Developmental Issues: When difficulties in language, reading, writing, or concentration are observed, and there is a need to rule out or confirm a learning disability or intellectual impairment.
Information Processing: If the ability to process and retain complex information is questioned, particularly for those giving evidence or managing their own financial affairs.
Do your Experts accept legal aid rates?
Yes, the majority of our experts accept instructions funded by the Legal Aid Agency (LAA). They usually work within the LAA guideline hours; however, if the scope or complexity of the case requires hours to be exceeded, you will be promptly notified upon receipt of the instruction.
Do your Experts travel?
Yes, a significant majority of them travel throughout the UK.
Do your Experts offer remote assessments?
Yes, they do. Our experts conduct remote assessments utilizing securely encrypted systems to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of all client data, thereby maintaining full compliance with data protection regulations.
Do you have Experts that offer assessments in languages other than English?
Yes, we do. Our panel includes Experts proficient in multiple languages, such as Urdu, Bengali, Arabic, Spanish etc.
Do your Experts work with interpreters?
Our experts do work with an interpreter, the responsibility for arranging, instructing, and ensuring the suitability of the interpreter lies with the instructing legal representative.
Do you work as an agency?
We operate differently. Our experts' caseloads are managed on an individual basis. Each expert is assigned a dedicated case manager who are intimately familiar with all aspects of that expert's portfolio. This approach allows us to offer a highly personal service not only for assessment but also for treatment.
Do you accept instructions from private individuals?
No. All instructions for our Experts need to be via a legal representative.
What if I want to arrange Supervision?
Please contact our team and we will then arrange an initial discussion with one of our supervision panel members, allowing you to finalize sessions logistics and payment terms directly with them.
What is the upper-age limit for Child & Adolescent assessment?
18 yrs.
How long an appointment with a psychiatrist lasts?
Standard psychiatric appointments usually range from one to two hours in duration.
How long an appointment with a psychologist lasts?
Standard psychological appointments usually range from three to five hours in duration.
Are breaks permitted during the assessment appointment?
Breaks can be provided upon request throughout the assessment. The Expert will also proactively incorporate a break if they feel the individual is becoming fatigued or struggling. Psychological assessments, in particular, frequently include breaks due to their extended duration.
Does it cost a solicitor to use your services?
No, it does not.
My question is not answered on this page, what do I do?
Contact the team by calling: 0344 933 1144 or Email: info@veritasmindexperts.co.uk