Initial Assessment for Children and Young People
Every assessment pathway at EPIC begins with an in-depth, individualised first appointment with one of our consultants or senior clinicians. This is where we listen, take a holistic view of your child or young person’s strengths and difficulties, and work with you to plan the most appropriate next steps.
What is an initial assessment?
Our assessment of children and young people always starts with an in-depth, individualised appointment with one of our consultants or senior clinicians. The purpose is to listen to all concerns and take a holistic overview of strengths and difficulties, including information gathering about medical and family history. Where necessary, our consultants work closely together to assess complex combined physical and mental health presentations.
Who is it with?
The initial assessment appointment is arranged with the most appropriate consultant or senior clinician based on information gathered by our administration team at your initial enquiry.
For young children and those with physical health concerns, the initial assessment is usually with our consultant paediatrician or specialist GP. They have expertise in physical, developmental, emotional and behavioural difficulties across the age range of infants, children and young people.
For older children, young people and young adults, the initial assessment will be with our consultant psychiatrists, consultant clinical psychologist or consultant mental health nurses. They have expertise in mental health problems, and social, emotional, behavioural, learning and functional difficulties.
How long is the appointment?
Appointment length is matched to age and needs:
- Primary school age or younger: 1 to 1.5 hours, with you and your child together. An assistant practitioner may join for very young children to engage with and observe your child while you speak with the consultant paediatrician or specialist GP.
- Secondary school age and older: 1 to 2 hours, allowing for separate time with the young person and parents or carers as needed.
- Independent young adults: an individualised 1-hour appointment.
What is the outcome?
The consultant or senior clinician will share their thoughts with you regarding formulation and diagnosis, and advise on any further specialist assessments, therapies or support that may be helpful. Where appropriate, they will discuss with our multidisciplinary team to ensure the most appropriate individualised care plan.
A summary letter or email is provided following the initial assessment appointment. If further assessments or interventions are recommended, a written quotation will be provided so you know exactly what’s involved before deciding how to proceed.
How much does it cost?
- Consultant paediatrician or senior clinician assessment (primary school age or younger) — £500
- Consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist or senior clinician assessment (secondary school age or older) — £650
- Consultant psychiatrist assessment (independent young adult) — £500
For more about what’s included in our pricing and how we structure our fees, see our costs explained.
Frequently Asked Questions
The appointment length depends on the age of the child or young person. For primary school age or younger, 1 to 1.5 hours. For secondary school age and older, 1 to 2 hours. For independent young adults, 1 hour.
The most appropriate consultant or senior clinician is matched to your child or young person based on their age and the concerns raised at enquiry. For young children and those with physical health concerns, this is usually a consultant paediatrician or specialist GP. For older children and young people, the appointment is typically with a consultant psychiatrist, consultant clinical psychologist or consultant mental health nurse.
The consultant or senior clinician will share their thoughts on formulation or diagnosis, and advise on any further specialist assessments, therapies or support that may be helpful. You’ll receive a summary letter or email, along with a written quotation for any recommended next steps.
Following the initial assessment, the consultant or senior clinician may recommend specialist assessments to further understand specific areas of strength or difficulty. These might include assessment of neurodevelopmental difference, educational difficulties, trauma and attachment, or eating difficulties. A written quotation is always provided for any recommendations made.
Start by completing our enquiry form. Our administration team will be in touch to gather some initial information and arrange your appointment with the most appropriate consultant or senior clinician.
Related Services
- Neurodevelopmental Assessment — autism, ADHD, dyspraxia, DLD, sensory processing and more
- Educational Difficulties / SEN — dyslexia, cognitive assessment, learning disability
- Trauma and Attachment — developmental trauma, attachment disorders
- Eating Disorders / ARFID — ARFID, anorexia, bulimia, binge eating
- Costs Explained — what’s included in our pricing and why
Ready to book an initial assessment?
Get in touch and we’ll arrange your appointment with the most appropriate consultant or senior clinician.