Psychiatrist Reviews: Expert Opinion & Insights
What is a Psychiatrist Review?
At CATCH Recovery, we provide a Psychiatric Review conducted by a Consultant Psychiatrist specialising in addiction and dual-diagnosis, to provide a recommendation on the types of treatment you may need to support you during your recovery.
During your 60-minute assessment, which can be conducted in-person, over the phone, or online, we learn more about your history with addiction, and we will evaluate your personal history to learn about any environmental triggers that may be fuelling your it. We then create a bespoke treatment plan to help you move forward on your recovery journey.
Contact us today to learn more about our Psychiatric Review and find the right support for your situation. You don’t have to go through this alone—our experienced therapists are here to help.
The Psychiatrist Review is a 60-minute assessment that can be conducted on the phone or via a video call with a consultant psychiatrist who specialises in addiction. The aim of the review is for the CATCH Recovery team to have all the information they need to keep you safe and treat you effectively during your time with us.
Our psychiatrist reviews are carried out by one of our specialist psychiatrists, Dr Peter McCann or Dr Florian Kaplick.
Building a Picture of your Addiction
One of the first things the psychiatrist will want to do is build a clear picture of the addictive substance(s) you are taking currently and your pattern of use.
This can include:
- What addictive substances you may be using,
- Quantities of the use of the addictive substances,
- Frequency of the use of the addictive substances,
- Length of time you have been taking these substances for,
- Any addictive behaviours you are engaging in such as compulsive sexual activity, disordered eating, gambling, or high-risk behaviours.
The psychiatrist will also ask about:
- What help you have sought previously,
- Your response to that treatment,
- Whether there have been any life events that may have contributed to the addiction such as a traumatic incident or bereavement,
- Whether there have been any crisis incidents that precipitated you to look for help such as social difficulties, or a crisis incident.
Personal History
The psychiatrist conducting the assessment will speak with you about your past which may include your health, early life, developmental milestones, memories of any family difficulties, educational achievement, occupational history, relationship history, significant life events, and hobbies or interests you might have. The psychiatrist may also want to know details about your family if you have siblings, what familial relations are like and if there is any history of psychiatric illness.
We need to understand if there are any external stressors you might be navigating during treatment. Perhaps you don’t currently have a permanent address, are unemployed, or have other money worries such as debts and pressure from creditors. You might also be worried about pending charges against you and you have been in trouble with the law in the past.
Previous Psychiatric Treatment
It is important for us to know if you have been previously admitted to a hospital or treatment centre due to addiction, if those admissions were under the Mental Health Act, any given diagnoses, and medications you are currently on or have been prescribed before.
If you are taking prescription medication, for your safety the psychiatrist will need to understand if you are taking medications as prescribed, are experiencing side effects, and have any drug allergies.
Why Is a Psychiatrist Review Important?
Our administrative staff work with a Consultant Psychiatrist to ensure the safety of all our clients and that those with more complex case histories or suspected dual diagnosis are given the care they need therapeutically and medically.
The psychiatrist review usually happens before the commencement of a treatment programme, if we suspect someone might have a number of mental health concerns that need treating together. Sometimes a client will appear to be struggling or not responding during outpatient therapy care, and in this case, we might suggest a psychiatrist review during treatment.
What Are the Outcomes of the Psychiatrist Consultation?
We want to know as much about you as possible so we can create a bespoke plan of care to treat all your needs and set you up for success both during and after you leave us. Your comprehensive bespoke care plan might include targeted individual therapies, group therapy, complementary therapies, family therapy, psychiatric oversight, and medication.
The assessment also helps to identify whether outpatient therapy or an inpatient programme including medically managed detoxification is required. If you are struggling with more pronounced psychiatric disorders and developed addictions, we may recommend detox with an inpatient therapy programme to ensure your safety. CATCH Recovery can ensure a fast referral process to one of our residential clinics, Castle Craig or Smarmore Castle which specialises in inpatient residential rehab. We can organise admission for ease and continuity of care.
The First Step
The psychiatrist review is just the first step on your journey to recovery. Full participation in the care plan that results from your psychiatrist review is key to long-term freedom from addiction. We ensure that we discuss your care plan with you in full and take time to answer any questions you might have so that you understand the diagnosis and treatment options that follow as a result of the review.