Psychiatrist assessment Cost in the UK (2026)

Typical self-pay price£350–£700

Published UK private psychiatry prices, October 2026.

On the NHSFree

NHS psychiatric care is free, but you usually need a GP referral to a community mental health team, and waits vary by area.

What's usually included

The first assessment, usually 50 to 75 minutes, normally includes a diagnosis or opinion, a treatment plan and a written report. Follow-ups (about £180 to £375), private prescriptions and repeat-prescription fees are extra.

Example published prices

Psychiatry-UK (online): £360 for a 1-hour online assessment with a consultant psychiatrist, including a report; 30-minute follow-up £180 (source)
Clinical Partners: initial assessment £425 including a written report; follow-ups £225 to £310 (source)
Professor David Veale (London): £430 for an initial assessment of about 60 to 75 minutes, including a written summary (source)
Harley Therapy (London): initial assessment from £695 (50 minutes, with diagnosis, treatment plan and report) (source)

Prices are published "from" or guide prices and can change. Your consultant, the hospital, London location and medical complexity can all raise the final cost — always ask for a written, all-inclusive quote.

Self-pay or health insurance?

Paying yourself makes sense if you need one known procedure now — health insurance won't cover a condition you already have. Insurance is designed for what might happen in future: it spreads the cost of unexpected diagnosis and treatment into a monthly premium. See our guide to self-pay vs health insurance, or estimate what cover would cost you.

Does health insurance cover mental health? →

Questions and answers

How much does a private psychiatrist assessment cost in the UK?

A private first assessment with a consultant psychiatrist usually costs £350 to £700. Online services are at the lower end and central London clinics at the top. Specialist assessments, such as for ADHD or autism, cost more. Prices vary by hospital, consultant and location, so always ask for a written, all-inclusive quote.

What's included in the price of a private psychiatrist assessment?

Will health insurance pay for a psychiatrist assessment?

If you have private health insurance and the condition started after your policy began, your insurer will usually cover it, subject to your policy terms, limits and excess. Conditions you had before taking out cover are normally excluded, so insurance won't help with treatment you already need.

Can I get a psychiatrist assessment on the NHS instead?

NHS psychiatric care is free, but you usually need a GP referral to a community mental health team, and waits vary by area. Ask your GP about your NHS options, including choosing where you're treated.

Can I spread the cost of private treatment?

Many private hospitals offer finance or payment plans for self-pay patients. Check the interest rate and terms carefully before agreeing.

Other treatment costs

Written by Oliver O'Hara

Founder, Dr Compare

Oliver O'Hara is the founder of Dr Compare and works in UK private health insurance. He set up Dr Compare to give people clear, independent, plain-English information about private healthcare, NHS waiting times and health insurance, so they can make confident decisions about their care.

Dr Compare provides general information about private health insurance and introduces enquirers to authorised insurance intermediaries. We do not give financial advice or personal recommendations. Product details, prices and waiting time figures are indicative, based on publicly available information, and may change — always check policy documents before buying. Guide prices for private treatment are illustrative and vary by provider, location and individual circumstances.

How much does a private psychiatrist assessment cost?