We are very happy to guide you on this and we usually suggest an initial call. This is a 30-minute screening call and involves discussion, some history taking about life for your child at home and at school. We would then be able to advise on the best way to proceed, and whether further assessment is recommended. This is the quickest way for parents to access clinic, the cost is £190.
Yes, a parent or guardian (it can be very helpful to have both parents, but this is not a requirement) will need to be available to provide a detailed developmental history, not just for young children but for all ages up to 18.
A summary report will be provided within 2 weeks of the assessment and a full report within 6 weeks. Yes, these will be accepted by the NHS (including CAMHS), schools and local authorities (eg to apply for an EHCP) – they are very thorough multidisciplinary assessments, which are NICE guideline compliant.
We do not work directly with healthcare providers, however more recently BUPA have agreed with some patients directly, to specifically cover the fees for our assessments. This has come about due to their approved providers closing for new referrals. If this is the case, then BUPA consider whether they will reimburse costs with patients chosen specialists – i.e. Dr Cassie & Associates.
We try to help families as much as we can, these are considered on a case by case basis.
Medication to help your child’s sleep (melatonin) or ADHD symptoms must be started and monitored by a specialist consultant (a paediatrician or psychiatrist within CAMHS or a private clinic). Once they are ‘stable’ on the medication, which usually takes a minimum of 3 months, we will request ‘shared care’ with your child’s GP. They do not have to agree to this, but most do, as we ensure our part of the agreement (appropriate monitoring and clear plans in letters etc) is robust. We have very good relationships with GPs across the country as a result. Under this agreement, your child will still need to come back to clinic every 6 months for a follow-up review.
It’s ok to crush standard, immediate release tablets. Some ADHD medications come as capsules which can be opened and sprinkled onto a spoon with a small amount of soft food such as yoghurt, honey or jam. Children should not chew or crush extended-release capsules.