Self Funded Psychiatry Treatments | Dr Kevin Pankhurst

Self Funded Psychiatric Treatment in London, Surrey and Berkshire

‍Fee Summary
‍For a complete schedule — including follow-up, aviation, and prescription costs — please see the full fees page.

‍What Is Self-Funded Psychiatry?
‍Self-funded psychiatry simply means paying directly for your care, without the need for health insurance, a GP referral, or a place on a waiting list. It is the most straightforward route to getting the help you need, and it puts you entirely in control of your own care from the very first step.

Many people choose to self-fund because they want to be seen quickly. At my practice, appointments are typically available within a few weeks, rather than the months that NHS or insurer-approved pathways can sometimes require. Others choose this route because they value complete privacy — there is no insurer involved, no need to discuss your mental health with your employer's occupational health scheme, and no third party assessing whether your treatment is "approved". If you are looking for self-funded psychiatry in Surrey or Berkshire and want to get started without delay, this page explains exactly how the process works and what to expect at each stage.

My clinics are based in Esher (Surrey), Guildford, and Maidenhead (Berkshire). Virtual appointments are also available if you would prefer to be seen from home.

‍What Does the Fee Include?

General Psychiatric Assessment — £365
‍The initial assessment is a comprehensive appointment lasting between 60
minutes. During that time I will take a full psychiatric and personal history, explore your current difficulties in detail, and begin forming a clinical picture of what is affecting you and why. Following the appointment, I will prepare a full written report summarising the history, my findings, and my recommendations, together with a proposed treatment plan. This report is yours to keep and to share — with your GP, a specialist, an employer, or an insurer — entirely at your own discretion. It is a substantial piece of work, and the fee reflects that.

‍Adult ADHD Assessment — £800–£1,000
‍A private psychiatric assessment for ADHD requires additional time and structured methodology. The assessment takes approximately two hours and includes completion of validated rating scales, a detailed developmental and psychiatric history, and review of any supporting documentation you are able to provide, such as school reports, previous letters, or assessments. At the end of the process, you will receive a full written diagnostic report, and — where ADHD is confirmed — a clear treatment plan and pathway for medication initiation if appropriate. The variation in fee (£800–£1,000) reflects the complexity of individual cases; I will give you a clear indication of the likely cost when you get in touch. For a complete schedule of fees, including follow-up appointments and prescription charges, please visit the full fees page.

‍Follow-Up Appointments — £190
‍Follow-up appointments are 30-minute reviews. They are an opportunity to discuss how you are getting on, make any adjustments to medication if it has been prescribed, and ensure the treatment plan continues to meet your needs. Most patients will have one or more follow-up appointments before treatment is fully established, and I will agree the schedule with you based on what is clinically appropriate.

‍Payment
‍Payment is accepted by major debit and credit card. Full payment is required at the time of booking your appointment.

‍Cancellation Policy
‍Appointments cancelled within 24 hours of the scheduled time, or missed without notice, will be charged at the full appointment fee. Cancellations made with at least 48 hours' notice will be charged at 50% of the full appointment fee.

‍What Happens After the First Appointment?
‍Following your initial assessment, most patients will attend one or more follow-up appointments to review progress, adjust medication if it has been prescribed, and refine the treatment plan as needed. I will agree the follow-up schedule with you based on your individual needs — some patients benefit from regular monthly reviews while they are finding the right treatment, while others may only need occasional check-ins once things are stable.

If medication is prescribed, my aim is for your GP to take over repeat prescribing once you are stable on the medication. This is both clinically appropriate and practical, as it removes the need for you to continue returning to a private clinic solely for prescriptions, helping to manage the longer-term cost of your treatment. I will write to your GP clearly and in good time before making that handover.

‍Do I Need a GP Referral?
‍No GP referral is required to book a self-funded appointment. You are welcome to contact my practice directly and arrange an assessment without involving your GP at all. That said, I do encourage patients — with their own consent — to keep their GP informed of any private psychiatric care they are receiving. Sharing my written report with your GP supports coordinated care, allows your GP to take on repeat prescribing once treatment is stable, and ensures that everyone involved in your health has a complete picture. It is always your choice how much you share and with whom.

‍Book an Appointment
‍Self-funding is the most direct route to getting the help you need, with no waiting lists and complete control over your care. If you would like to arrange a private psychiatric assessment or have any questions about costs, please do not hesitate to get in touch. My clinics are based in Esher (Surrey), Guildford, and Maidenhead (Berkshire), and virtual appointments are available wherever you are.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a GP referral to self-fund?
‍No. You can contact my practice directly and book an appointment without a GP referral. Self-funded patients can access care through a private psychiatric assessment without going through any intermediary. If your GP does refer you, that is welcome, but it is not a requirement.
How quickly can I be seen?
‍Appointments are typically available within days to a few weeks, depending on the type of assessment and clinic location. Self-funding removes the waiting list delays that can affect NHS or insurance-approved pathways, which is one of the main reasons people choose this route.
What does the initial assessment fee include?
‍The £365 initial assessment fee includes a 60–90 minute clinical appointment with me, a full written psychiatric report summarising the history, findings, and recommendations, and a proposed treatment plan. The report is yours to keep and to share as you wish — with your GP, an employer, or anyone else you choose.
Are virtual appointments available for self-funding patients?
‍Yes. Virtual appointments are available and are just as thorough as in-person consultations. If you would prefer not to travel to Esher, Guildford, or Maidenhead, or if it is simply more convenient, I am happy to see you remotely. Please mention your preference when you get in touch and I will arrange accordingly.
Will my GP be informed of my treatment?
‍Only with your consent. One of the advantages of self-funded care is that you control who has access to information about your mental health. If you would prefer complete privacy, that is entirely your right. However, I generally encourage patients to allow me to write to their GP, as it supports coordinated care and — importantly — allows the GP to take over repeat prescribing once you are stable on any medication, reducing your long-term costs.
What if I need ongoing treatment — how much will it cost long-term?
‍Follow-up appointments are £190 each for 30-minute reviews. The frequency of follow-ups depends on individual need and will be agreed with you based on your progress. Once you are stable on any prescribed medication, your GP can be asked to continue repeat prescriptions, which significantly reduces the ongoing cost of treatment. I aim to be transparent about likely costs at every stage so there are no surprises.
What is your cancellation policy?
‍Appointments cancelled within 24 hours of the scheduled time, or missed without any notice, are charged at the full appointment fee. If you cancel with at least 48 hours' notice, the charge is 50% of the full fee. I ask that you let me know as soon as possible if your circumstances change so that the appointment slot can be offered to another patient.

If you have a question that is not covered here, please do not hesitate to get in touch. I am always happy to talk through any concerns about costs or the process before you commit to booking — there is no obligation, and getting in touch is the first and simplest step.