Question 1

How can I be sure that a psychologist is appropriately qualified and registered?

Accepted Answer

The Health Care and Professions Council (HCPC) hold the register for Practitioner Psychologists and regulate their practice in the UK. You can check the HCPC register to check an individual's registration here. https://www.hcpc-uk.org/check-the-register(https://www.hcpc-uk.org/check-the-register)

Question 2

How do I book an appointment or introductory call?

Accepted Answer

You can contact me to request an appointment by:

Using the contact form on the website
Emailing me at nikki@drnikkipsych.co.uk (nikki@drnikkipsych.co.uk)
Calling or texting me on 07720395756

Please note that I may not be able to respond immediately, please leave a message and I will contact you as soon as possible.

Question 3

What happens at the 15 minute introductory call?

Accepted Answer

The introductory call is a brief introduction about what might be motivating you to seeking support for yourself or for your team and/or organisation. It allows you a chance to ask any questions if you have them and find out more about how I work.  There is no obligation to work with me following this call, and if I feel that I would not be the most suited person for you I would inform you of this too.

Question 4

​What happens at the first assessment session?

Accepted Answer

The first session, or the assessment session, we build on the introductory call.

This is a chance for me to find out more information on your situation and events that may have led up to the present day.  It can take time to feel safe enough to trust and have confidence in your psychologist so it is understandable that you may not wish to tell me everything straight away and we will go at your pace.

I tend to ask questions around your current symptoms or distress, things that might impact on them and your life history.

Question 5

How many sessions will I need?

Accepted Answer

This can vary depending on the individual, types of difficulties you are experiencing and wanting support for, the type of therapy and many other factors. Typically psychological therapy can be between 8-24 sessions.

We will discuss this in the assessment session and I would make a recommendation based on the type of therapy and clinical experience. We tend to review sessions regularly together (typically every 4-6 sessions, at least in the beginning of sessions)

Question 6

Fees, Insurance Referrals, Terms & Conditions

Accepted Answer

Please get in touch for the current fees for Psychological therapy. I do offer a sliding scale for single parents, students and those on benefits.

​I am registered with the main insurance companies including BUPA, Vitality, Axa and Aviva.

Question 7

Do you offer emergency appointments or support?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately I cannot offer an emergency service or emergency appointments. I would encourage you to seek support from your general practitioner in the first instance or via the following services:

• NHS online - https://111.nhs.uk/triage/check-your-mental-health-symptoms
 • NHS 111 option 2
 • Accident and emergency department or 999
 • Samaritans helpline (116 123)
 • Shout by texting 'SHOUT' to 85258 (if you are under 19 text 'YM')

Question 8

Is therapy confidential?

Accepted Answer

All sessions are confidential between you and your therapist.  The only exception to this is where I feel there is a risk of harm to you or someone else. Full details on my confidentiality policy is within my information sheet, and we will talk about this during your first assessment session.

Page Title