FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Below are a few questions that we are frequently asked from new clients inquiring about our services.
If the list below doesn’t answer your question, please feel free to Contact Us Today and we will get back to you within 1 working day.
If you would rather watch videos instead or reading through the list below, please visit our Video FAQs library where you’ll find answers to common questions you may have on a wide range of topics.
Our Psychologists' involvement starts with a comprehensive psychological assessment of clients’ needs and expectations, which usually takes between 3 to 6 sessions to complete. Following the initial stage of assessment, a case formulation and treatment plan is shared and agreed with the client. Number of sessions required to complete treatment is discussed at this stage and agreed between client and therapist. The psychological intervention that follows, usually between 8 to 25 sessions, is closely monitored and reviewed to ensure best results.
Yes. We are the only private therapy service in London and Rome that offers a FREE 15 min chat with the therapist of your choice to all potential new clients to discuss their personal needs and expectations. Sometimes this free consultation is just what you need to reassure you that you don't need to see a therapist. Other times it can be helpful to determine what type of treatment would best suit your needs.
People have many different reasons to consult a mental health professional. Anyone can seek help for a mental health problem, without barriers of age, gender, culture, ethnicity, sexual orientation, social class and religion. Mental health is more than the absence of mental disorders. Mental health is an integral part of health; indeed, there is no health without mental health.
We know how difficult can be to pick the right therapist. It is important to choose a therapist you can work with and trust. The better the relationship between you and your therapist, the more you are likely to benefit from talking therapy. To assist you with choosing the right therapist for your issues, we have created a section dedicated to our Team, where you can find more information about our Associates. All our Consultants are experienced and highly trained, but most of all they are the ones our clients like to work with. Check their profile page to learn more about their credentials and areas of expertise. Click here to meet the Team.
The time it takes to solve your problem depends upon the severity of your issue(s). As a general guideline, it takes between 10 to 20 sessions to address Mild Issues with recent onset; 20 to 30 sessions to solve Moderate Issues and 30+ sessions to solve Severe Issues.
Please note that consultations with our Psychologists are by prepaid appointments only. You can find out more about our fees on our Fees Page.
At The International Psychology Clinic our Psychologists apply scientifically validated procedures to help people develop healthier, more effective habits. There are different kind of psychological therapies and we are trained in a wide range of evidence-based method of psychological intervention. We always tailor our approach on each client’s individual needs and personality and this ensures that we achieve the best results.
Our Psychologists work with you. Rather than telling you what your goals are or what you should do to solve your problems, our Psychologists work with you to identify your goals for treatment and to achieve positive, stable and effective change over time.
Many people are unsure of the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist. A psychiatrist is a physician who has completed medical school and specialised in psychiatry. Because they are Medical Doctors, psychiatrists can prescribe medication. In Anglo-Saxon countries most psychiatrists only treat people with medication. In Italy most psychiatrists also provide therapy.
Psychologists are not medical doctors. Their degree is a Psy.D. Psychologists do not prescribe medications. In Italy & UK, Psychologists' main duties can include prevention, assessment, treatment, in addition to research and teaching activities in the field of psychology. Psychologists usually have a lot of experience providing testing.
In Italy, the practice of psychotherapy is limited to psychologists and to medical doctors (if they have trained in psychotherapy), to psychiatrists, and to child neuropsychiatrists. In the UK, the practice of psychotherapy is not formally regulated. This means that it is crucial that you choose a therapist who is registered with a legal body and has had relevant training to help you with your mental health problem(s).
Clinical psychology is a broad branch of psychology that focuses on diagnosing and treating mental, emotional, and behavioural problems. Some of the more common issues that might be treated include stress and anxiety, low mood and depression, eating disorders, substance abuse, personality disorders, trauma, loss and bereavement, relationship problems and learning disabilities.
The cost of therapy vary depending on where you live, and the therapists' knowledge, skills, years of experience, training and qualifications.
We offer CBT, Counselling and Psychotherapy services in Central London Marylebone NW1, Oxford Circus W1, Kensington W8, Shoreditch E1, Islington N1, London Bridge SE1. In addition, we also offer therapy services to English speaking Expats in Italy. We have Private Therapy Clinics for Expats in Bologna, Florence, Milan, Rome and Turin.
It is not uncommon for a person with a mental health problem to deny that they need help. It can be difficult to support someone who you feel may need help especially if the person may not be willing to access support.
There can be times when you're concerned about someone else's well-being and want to get involved or understand more about their mental health and any treatment they're having.
This is understandable, but we have strict codes of ethics that govern the use of our service. We cannot make contact with someone who has not provided you with his explicit consent to book an appointment with us on their behalf.
If a person is legally an adult then ultimately it is up to them to seek treatment and accept help unless they fit criteria under the Italian Trattamento Sanitario Obbligatorio (TSO) or UK Mental Health Act to be scheduled into hospital as an involuntary patient.
Friends and family can make appointments for other people, if they have their consent.
The patient should always be aware that an appointment has been made and confirm with our dedicated admin team they are happy for that appointment to go ahead.
Sessions last for 50 minutes and usually take place at the same time each week.
The full fee will be charged for all sessions cancelled with less than 48 hours notice. We offer a maximum of 1 free cancellation with a minimum of 48 hours notice in any 10 weeks period. The full fee will be charged for additional cancellations regardless of notice period.
In the event of exceptional circumstances (such as holidays, business travels etc.), a Skype or Telephone session will be offered as a replacement to a face to face session and if this is declined then cancellation charges will still apply as above.
You need to inform your psychologist directly, by text or email, of any cancellations or amendments to your appointments and give as much notice as possible so that your Psychologist will be able to offer you a replacement Skype or Telephone session.
Health insurance clients may forfeit a session as a result of cancellations. Please note that some Insurers do not cover for missed appointments. We advise you to check with your Insurer prior to starting treatment.
Therapy sessions need to occur regularly to see benefits of treatment. Sessions usually take place at the same time each week, unless otherwise agreed with your psychologist. During your first session, your psychologist will agree regular appointments with you at a time that is suitable for you both.
In the event of exceptional circumstances (such as holidays, business travels etc.), a Skype or Telephone session will be offered as a replacement to a face to face session and if this is declined then cancellation charges will apply.