Second Opinion on Psychiatric Diagnosis & Treatment
For individuals seeking a careful, independent review of an existing psychiatric diagnosis or treatment approach, informed by medical responsibility and whole-person understanding.
This service does not replace emergency or ongoing local care.
When something doesn’t quite sit right
Many people seek a second opinion not because their previous care was inappropriate, but because important questions remain unanswered.
Psychiatric diagnoses and treatment plans are formed within specific time, service and system constraints. In some cases, a further review can be helpful to explore whether the current understanding remains the best fit.
What a psychiatric second opinion involves
This service provides a structured clinical review of an existing psychiatric diagnosis and/or treatment plan.
The focus is on understanding how previous conclusions were reached, whether they remain appropriate in light of the individual’s history and current presentation, and what reasonable options may exist going forward.
Recommendations are made within accepted standards of medical practice and with due regard for safety and continuity of care.
This process typically includes:
- A careful review of previous assessments, diagnoses and medication history
- A detailed clinical conversation focused on meaning, pattern and context
- A fresh formulation that integrates biological, psychological and social factors
- Clear feedback on whether the current diagnosis and treatment make sense
- Thoughtful options for next steps, explained in plain language
What this service is not
This service does not provide emergency assessment, crisis intervention, or immediate changes to treatment.
Any recommendations offered are advisory and intended to support informed decision-making, ideally in collaboration with the individual’s existing healthcare providers.
Where ongoing treatment or prescribing is required, appropriate arrangements and safeguards are discussed.
A different kind of clinical conversation
Psychiatric practice varies depending on setting, time pressures and available resources.
This service offers a longer, reflective consultation space, allowing greater exploration of clinical history, context and formulation than is often possible within standard service constraints.
The aim is not to replace existing care, but to add perspective and clarity where this may be helpful.
We pay attention not only to symptoms, but to:
- How your difficulties began and evolved
- What has helped, what hasn’t, and why
- The meaning your experiences hold in your life
- The assumptions underlying previous diagnoses and treatment decisions
This often brings relief – not because answers are always simple, but because they finally make sense.
Is this right for you?
This service is likely to be helpful if:
- You have received one or more psychiatric diagnoses and feel uncertain about them
- You are on medication and want a clearer understanding of its role and long-term implications
- You feel unheard, rushed or reduced to symptoms in previous care
- You want a thoughtful, medically grounded perspective before making further decisions
This service may not be suitable if you are in immediate crisis, require urgent intervention, or are looking for rapid changes without careful consideration. In those situations, emergency or local services are more appropriate.
How the process works
1. Before we meet
You’ll be invited to share relevant reports, letters and medication history, so we can make best use of our time together.
2. The consultation
We meet for an extended appointment focused on understanding the full picture, not just the presenting problem.
3. Clinical reflection
After the session, time is taken to integrate the information and form a coherent clinical view.
4. Feedback and next steps
You receive clear, balanced feedback and options – including what staying the same, changing course, or seeking further support might look like.
All consultations are documented in accordance with professional standards, and summaries can be shared with GPs or other clinicians with the individual’s consent.
What people often gain
People often report gaining a clearer understanding of their diagnosis or treatment options.
This service does not promise specific outcomes, but aims to support informed, reflective decision-making.
Taking the next step
Seeking a second opinion is a recognised part of good medical practice when questions remain or circumstances change.
We encourage individuals to proceed only if this feels like a measured and appropriate next step.