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MindOf PEERS FAQ
Find answers to common questions about the MindOf PEERS® programme.

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How do I book an appointment?To book an appointment, please call us on 0207 118 0696 or email info@mindof.uk. Our team will be happy to guide you through the process and help find a suitable time for you.
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Can I receive clinical advice by email?In line with our updated practice guidance, safe medical practice standards, and GDPR compliance, our clinicians are unable to provide detailed clinical advice via email. If you have a clinical query about your care, we kindly recommend booking a telephone, video, or face-to-face consultation. Please note that for certain concerns, a face-to-face appointment may be advised to ensure your needs are addressed safely and appropriately.
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Do you provide emergency, out-of-hours, or crisis care?MindOf is an outpatient service, providing care for patients who require support on a scheduled basis — whether that’s weekly, monthly, or annually. We do not offer out-of-hours, emergency, or crisis care. If you are in crisis or need urgent help, please: Contact your GP for a referral to your local crisis team Or attend your nearest Accident & Emergency (A&E) department Your safety is the priority, and urgent support is best provided by emergency services or dedicated crisis teams.
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Do you provide video consultations?Yes, we offer secure video consultations as part of our outpatient service. When you book your appointment, you’ll receive a confirmation email with a secure link to access your session. We recommend joining the consultation from a quiet, private space and using headphones to help maintain confidentiality. Please note: for certain types of assessments, a video consultation may not be appropriate. In these cases, a face-to-face appointment will be advised to ensure the highest quality of care.
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I have a disability — can I access your service?Yes, absolutely. If you have a disability or condition that may affect your ability to access our service, please contact us on 0207 118 0696. We are committed to making reasonable adjustments to ensure your appointments and any treatment provided are accessible and tailored to your individual needs.
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How can I be referred?You do not need a referral to access our services — you can self-refer directly by contacting us. We also accept referrals from GPs, paediatricians, schools, psychologists, psychotherapists, and mental health charities. Following your assessment, the clinician will provide a summary of the outcome and a recommended plan, which can be shared with your GP or referrer if you wish.
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Do I need to provide a referral letter?A referral letter is not required — we accept self-referrals. However, your GP should be informed of the assessment. This is important because: The clinician may need background medical information to provide safe and effective care Your GP may be asked to support with further investigations or prescriptions Health insurance providers often require the GP to be involved In the UK, the GP plays a key role in coordinating overall healthcare and should be aware of any assessments or treatment plans Keeping your GP informed helps ensure continuity of care and supports your health more effectively in the long term.
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What conditions do you treat?Our psychiatrists and therapists support children and young people with a wide range of emotional, behavioural, and neurodevelopmental needs, including: Emotional difficulties such as anxiety, low mood, depression, bereavement, trauma, and adjustment difficulties Behavioural challenges, including oppositional behaviour, emotional dysregulation, and anger Neurodevelopmental conditions, such as ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Please note that we do not provide treatment for: Anorexia Nervosa or Bulimia Nervosa Individuals at high risk of suicide or those in need of urgent or intensive crisis care When you book an appointment, you will be asked to complete a brief booking form. This allows us to confirm that we are the most appropriate service to support your needs before the booking is finalised.
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What does psychology involve?Psychological support begins with an initial meeting, usually involving the young person and their parent(s) or carer(s). However, if preferred, the psychologist can meet with them separately. The format of therapy is tailored to the individual needs of the young person. This may include: Individual sessions with the young person Parent-only sessions Joint sessions involving both the young person and parent(s)/carer(s) Together, the psychologist, young person, and parent(s)/carer(s) will agree on the most suitable therapeutic approach, set treatment goals, and determine the likely length and frequency of sessions. Sessions are typically 50 minutes long, held weekly for a time-limited period (e.g. 2–3 months), though this may vary based on the young person's needs. Appointments can take place face-to-face in clinic or via secure video consultation. Our psychologists are trained in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and other evidence-based therapeutic approaches.
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What does family work or family therapy involve?Family work and family therapy at our clinic aims to create a safe and supportive space where families can come together around their child to improve communication, strengthen relationships, and develop a shared understanding of the challenges they are facing. Sessions may include the whole family, parents and child, or parents/carers only, depending on what feels most helpful. While the focus is on finding ways to move forward, sessions may also explore past experiences and how they continue to influence the present. Family therapy can support a wide range of needs — from early intervention and prevention to managing intense or complex difficulties. Mental health difficulties in a child can have a considerable impact on the wider family unit. Even when a concern appears to relate to just one individual, therapy looks at the wider family system and how everyone can work together to bring about positive change for the entire family. Sessions are 50 minutes long, and the length and frequency of treatment are tailored to the specific needs and preferences of each family.
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Will I receive an assessment report?Yes — an assessment report is included in the consultation fee and will be provided once the assessment process is complete. The report will include: A summary of the consultations Analysis of any questionnaires (where applicable) Relevant liaison with schools or other professionals The clinician’s professional findings and tailored recommendations Reports are usually completed within four weeks, but we recommend discussing the expected timescale with your specific clinician, as this may vary. A copy of the report will be shared with you and, with your consent, can also be sent to your GP and/or referring professional. If needed, the clinician may also provide an abbreviated letter for your child’s school. Please note: any additional reports or letters beyond this may incur an additional fee.
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Will the fees be covered by my health insurance?MindOf is a self-pay clinic, and payment is required at the time of booking. If you plan to use private health insurance, please ensure your insurer: Approves reimbursement for our services Accepts our prepayment policy (as we do not invoice insurers directly) Will reimburse you directly, as we are unable to liaise with insurers or handle claims on your behalf You will receive a detailed receipt from MindOf, which you can submit to your insurer for reimbursement.
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What are the fees?Fees for initial assessments and follow-up appointments are payable at the time of booking to confirm your appointment. The consultation fee includes: An assessment report (for initial appointments) A GP letter (for follow-up/review appointments) A prescription, if clinically appropriate A school letter, where relevant Please note: Additional reports, duplicate letters, or further documentation may incur extra charges Private prescriptions and medications not issued during a consultation may also carry a fee Completed assessments and reports are non-refundable For full fee details, please contact us via info@mindof.uk or call 0207 118 0696.
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What does an assessment with the psychiatrist involve?The initial psychiatric assessment usually involves meeting with the young person and their parent(s)/carer(s) together. Time permitting, the doctor may also see the young person individually during this first appointment. Depending on the young person’s needs, the psychiatrist may recommend a follow-up appointment with: The parent(s)/carer(s) alone The young person alone Some families prefer for the first appointment to be with the parent(s)/carer(s) only, without the child present. This is absolutely fine — just let us know your preference when booking. To build a full picture, the doctor may also request: Questionnaires to be completed by both parents and school Liaison with school staff to gather additional information The assessment will explore your concerns in detail, and a treatment plan and written report will be provided upon completion. For certain conditions, such as ADHD or ASD, the psychiatrist may recommend further specialist assessments. Initial appointments last up to 90 minutes Follow-up appointments last up to 45 minutes Appointments can take place in clinic, via secure video, or by telephone, depending on your preference and clinical needs.
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Can I have a telephone consultation prior to the first appointment?We generally do not offer telephone consultations prior to the initial assessment. Before your appointment, you’ll be asked to complete questionnaires and background forms, which provide the clinician with important information to prepare for the consultation. The first appointment is structured to include time for: Parents/carers and the child to be seen together The child or young person alone, and Parents/carers alone, where appropriate We recommend discussing your concerns face-to-face or via video consultation, as these conversations are most effective when conducted in a dedicated clinical setting. If you have an urgent clinical concern before your appointment date, we strongly advise you to contact your GP for immediate support. For existing patients receiving ongoing care, your clinician will arrange any necessary telephone calls directly with you as needed.
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How long do assessments or sessions last?Psychiatry initial assessments for new patients usually last between 75 to 120 minutes, depending on the complexity of the case. Follow-up psychiatry appointments typically last 20 to 45 minutes. Therapy sessions (including psychology and counselling) are usually 50 minutes in duration. Your clinician will advise on the appropriate session length based on your individual needs.
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Where is the clinic based?Our clinic is located at Golders Hill Health Centre in North West London, near Hampstead and Golders Hill Park. Address: 151 North End Road, London, NW11 7HB We are a 12-minute walk from Golders Green tube station, and are easily accessible by buses 210 and 268. There is limited free parking available at the back of the clinic, as well as on-street parking on North End Road and nearby streets — please check local signage for restrictions.
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What does psychotherapy involve?Our psychotherapists offer brief (8–12 sessions), medium, and longer-term psychotherapy (ranging from weekly sessions over 6 to 12 months), depending on the needs of the child or young person. Therapy sessions often use creative and play-based approaches to help children and adolescents explore their emotions and behaviours. This may include: Play Movement Painting or clay work Puppet work Some young people may prefer to talk, and that’s perfectly fine too — the approach is always adapted to the individual. During the first appointment, the psychotherapist will meet with the child or adolescent and their parent(s)/carer(s) together, and then spend some time with the child alone. The therapist will then work collaboratively with the young person to develop a formulation and agree on shared goals for therapy. Sessions last 50 minutes and are usually held on a weekly basis.
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What is CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy)?Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a structured, evidence-based talking therapy that helps individuals understand how their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours are connected. By identifying and challenging unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviours, CBT can support meaningful, lasting change. At MindOf, Dr Fiertag and our psychology associates are fully qualified CBT therapists. They offer CBT for a range of difficulties, including: Anxiety Depression Low self-esteem Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) CBT is typically goal-focused and time-limited, with sessions tailored to the age and individual needs of the young person.
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What kind of treatments are provided?Your treatment plan will be individually tailored based on your specific needs, as identified during the assessment process. Treatment may include: Psychiatric reviews Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Psychological therapy Family therapy Prescribed medication, where clinically appropriate Referral to other multidisciplinary professionals, if needed Our psychiatrists are authorised to issue private prescriptions, including medication for ADHD. We work closely with a team of psychologists, family therapists, and other specialists, and can coordinate referrals to ensure you receive the most appropriate and effective support.
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Is there anything I should bring with?If you have a referral letter from your GP or another professional, please send it to us in advance of your appointment. You may also share any relevant school reports or professional assessments (e.g. from psychologists, paediatricians, or speech and language therapists). These can be emailed to info@mindof.uk before your visit or brought with you on the day. Your clinician will review them as part of the assessment process to gain a full understanding of your or your child’s needs.
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What should I say to my child about why we are going to see the doctor or therapist?It’s helpful to explain to your child in a calm and age-appropriate way who they will be seeing and why. You might say something like: "We’re going to see a doctor (or therapist) who talks to children and young people to see how they’re getting on — at home, at school, and in general. They’re there to help us understand what’s going well and if there’s anything they can do to make things easier for you." You can also reassure your child that: It’s not a test or exam There will be no injections or medical procedures The doctor or therapist may ask about things they enjoy, what’s going well, and anything they find tricky The goal is to create a safe and supportive space where your child can feel heard and understood.
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How can I make a complaint?If you are dissatisfied with any aspect of the care you or your child has received and wish to raise a concern or make a formal complaint, please contact us at info@mindof.uk to request a copy of our complaints procedure. MindOf adheres to the ISCAS Code (Independent Sector Complaints Adjudication Service), which provides a clear and fair process for managing complaints. You can learn more about ISCAS at https://iscas.cedr.com. Further details about our complaint process can also be found on our website: www.mindof.uk/complaints
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What is your cancellation policy?Due to high demand and a large number of referrals, we kindly ask that you provide as much notice as possible if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment. For new patient appointments, please give at least 7 working days’ notice For follow-up appointments, at least 3 working days’ notice is required This helps us offer the appointment to someone else on our waiting list. If sufficient notice is not provided, the full consultation fee will be charged. For all other cancellations: A non-refundable £200 fee applies to cancellations of new patient appointments. Please allow up to 28 days for any eligible refunds to be processed.
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How can I leave feedback?We are committed to maintaining high standards of care and continually improving our service. Your feedback is important to us and helps us enhance the experience we offer to all families. If you would like to share your thoughts, you can: Complete our feedback form Leave a comment or review on Google We genuinely appreciate your time and input.
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What does an assessment involve?Please see our assessment pathway here
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