Professional Qualifications, Accreditations and Memberships

• Member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists (MRCPsych)

• Specialist Register for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (GMC)

• Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB)

• Postgraduate Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (PGDip CBT, University of Oxford)

My Professional Experience

I am a Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist with many years of NHS clinical experience supporting children and families, as well as experience in lecturing and conducting clinical research at Imperial College London. I trained as a doctor at the University of Aberdeen and completed my psychiatric training at St Mary’s Hospital, London.

Previously, as an NHS Consultant, I led multidisciplinary teams across various services including CAMHS Inpatient and Crisis Services (HPFT NHS Trust); Outpatient Generic CAMHS, Specialist Paediatric Liaison, and Neurodevelopmental Services (CNWL and BEH NHS Trusts, London). 

I support children, adolescents, and their families with a wide range of difficulties—ranging from mild to severe—such as anxiety, depression, autism, ADHD, and somatising disorders that may arise during different stages of development.

I have completed additional training at the University of Oxford in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and am a qualified CBT therapist. I have also completed the UCLA PEERS® Certified Training and am fully qualified in conducting specialised ADHD and Autism assessments including the ADOS (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule) and ADI-R (Autism Diagnostic Interview–Revised) and 3-DI.  I have specialist training and experience in assessing demand avoidance and PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance).

I have particular clinical and research expertise in supporting children who present with physical symptoms as manifestations of psychological distress. I also have significant experience in supporting the emotional wellbeing of children with physical health conditions, having led specialist clinics for children with diabetes and epilepsy.

My work with diverse cultures and communities across the UK has further been enhanced by my involvement in developing mental health services and educational initiatives overseas. I have collaborated with NGOs and governmental organisations in countries such as Ghana, Malawi, and Ethiopia. These international experiences have deepened my appreciation of the spiritual and cultural influences on mental and physical health.

Personal Approach

I work with children within the context of their individual family systems, always aiming to collaborate with both the child and their parent(s). My goal is to support families as young people navigate the emotional and developmental challenges of growing up. I provide comprehensive assessments and tailored treatments to alleviate distress and improve mental health, enabling children to thrive in their personal, academic, and social lives.

When meeting new patients, my priority is to help children and parents feel at ease in a safe, supportive space. Using a holistic and non-judgmental approach, I explore the child’s symptoms alongside family dynamics and wider social factors, including educational challenges, peer relationships, and the impact of social media. Recognising that some children may feel anxious about visiting a doctor, I use a gentle, friendly, and creative approach to help them feel comfortable and understood.

My assessments typically include sessions with the child and parent(s) together, individual time with the child, and time with the parent(s) alone to allow for open, confidential discussion. Where appropriate, I liaise with schools and other professionals to gain a comprehensive understanding of the young person’s environment. Following the assessment, I provide a clear care plan, which may include further specialist assessments (e.g. ADOS), specific psychological treatments (e.g. CBT or family-based therapy), or medication. I work closely with a multidisciplinary team, including psychologists, psychotherapists, specialist nurses, and speech and language therapists, to ensure the care plan is fully tailored to the child’s needs.

Additional Information: Research, Teaching, Publications, and Interests

I remain actively involved in research and the teaching of doctors, nurses, and therapists. I also provide talks and educational sessions for parents and schools. I previously served as a school governor at Haverstock School in the London Borough of Camden.

My specific clinical and research interests lie in child and adolescent psychiatry, particularly in:

• Neurodevelopmental conditions, with particular expertise in assessing Autism and ADHD.

• Somatising presentations (where psychological distress manifests as physical symptoms)

• Supporting children and young people coping with chronic physical illness

• Managing ADHD, anxiety, OCD, and comorbid difficulties arising within the context of ASD.

Publications

• Gupta, S., Fiertag, O., Thanulingam, T., Strange, B., & Warner, J. (2020). Rare and Unusual Dementias. In J. Hughes & P. Lilford (Eds.), Clinical Topics in Old Age Psychiatry (pp. 50–77). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

• Fiertag, O., Taylor, S., Tareen, A., & Garralda, E. (2019). Somatic Symptoms, Bodily Distress and Related Disorders in Children and Adolescents. In: Rey, J.M. IACAPAP e-Textbook of Child and Adolescent Mental Health. (Section I.1). Geneva: International Association of Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists and Allied Professions. Available online.

• Fiertag, O., & Eminson, M. (2014). Somatising in Children and Adolescents: Clinical Presentations and Aetiological Factors. In Huline-Dickens, S. Clinical Topics in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (pp. 183–200). London: RCPsych Publications.

• Fiertag, O., & Eminson, M. (2014). Somatising in Children and Adolescents: Management and Outcomes. In Huline-Dickens, S. Clinical Topics in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (pp. 201–217). London: RCPsych Publications.

• Fiertag, O., Taylor, S., Tareen, A., & Garralda, E. (2012). Somatoform Disorders. In: Rey, J.M. IACAPAP e-Textbook of Child and Adolescent Mental Health. (Section I.1). Geneva: International Association of Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists and Allied Professions. Available online.

• Gupta, S., Fiertag, O., Thanulingam, T., Ros, E., Strange, B., & Warner, J. (2012). Further Rare and Unusual Dementias. Advances in Psychiatric Treatment, 18, 67–77.

• Fiertag, O., Taylor, S., Ninis, N., & Beril, S. (2012, January 13). Anti-NMDA Receptor Encephalitis: Response to Article and Case Reports. British Journal of Psychiatry. Retrieved from bjp.rcpsych.org.

• Gupta, S., Fiertag, O., & Warner, J. (2009). Rare and Unusual Dementias. Advances in Psychiatric Treatment, 15, 364–371.