Frequently Asked Questions
How do I access your service?
There are a number of possible ways people can access the service. You may come into contact with us following a referral made on your behalf by another organisation such as your school, local authority or insurance provider. Alternatively, you may access the service directly yourself by making contact with us here.
What area do your services cover?
We cover all of Staffordshire and the surrounding areas of Shropshire, Cheshire, Derbyshire and the West Midlands. We also offer online support/therapy, which means we can reach you anywhere in the UK.
What services do you offer?
We offer a range of psychological assessment, intervention and therapy services for children, young people, families and adults. We also provide services to schools, local authorities, residential settings and in expert witness. Please see our services to find out more about the full range of services we provide.
Do you see clients at home?
We see clients in a range of settings including schools, residential placements, our private offices and in client's home where possible. Where we will meet is negotiated with the client and referrer and we strive to be as accessible as possible. Meeting in settings outside of our private offices may incur travel costs.
How much does it cost to see you?
Costs will vary depending on the service you require to meet your needs. Please make contact with us to discuss your requirements and we will be able to provide you with an estimate. If you are making an enquiry regarding self funding individual psychological therapy work, we can provide you with information regarding session fees.
What is a Clinical Psychologist?
A Clinical Psychologist is a qualified professional who trained to people with a range of mental health, emotional and behavioural difficulties of all ages. We are uniquely trained to work with children, adults and older adults as well as people with Intellectual disability although they may develop specialisms following training. Clinical Psychologists undergo extensive training including a three or four year undergraduate psychology degree course and a three year post graduate doctorate training course in Clinical Psychology. They will usually have had a period of working in various clinical contexts following their undergraduate course before undertaking their doctorate study. 'Clinical Psychologist' is a protected title by the Health and Care Professions Council and (HCPC), the regulatory body for practitioner psychologists. This ensures that anyone practising as a Clinical Psychologist is appropriately trained and is bound to the highest standards of conduct, performance and ethics. It is a requirement that all Clinical Psychologists undergo continuing professional development and have regular clinical supervision as part of their ongoing practice.
Are sessions confidential?
Yes. Sessions with your psychologist are confidential and information is only shared with your consent to do so. However, there are instances where we may be obliged to share information with appropriate bodies, such as request from a Court, if a crime has occurred or if there are safeguarding or risk concerns. Where possible and if it is safe to do so, we will endeavour to discuss any sharing of information with you in the first instance.
What facilities are at your office?
We have an accessible office with a wide, level entrance and accessible toilet. We also have free parking for the duration of your appointment. We are also happy to make you a tea or coffee if you'd like one or a glass of water.
Do you prescribe medication?
We don't prescribe any medication. Prescribing is done by medical doctors, e.g. a psychiatrist or peadiatrician or even a nurse who has had specialist training and works under the supervision of a medical doctor.
Care you can trust...
At Abacus Psychology all of our Psychologists have up to date DBS checks and are registered with the Health and Care Professions Council - the regulatory body for Practitioner Psychologists.
