Private Psychiatrist by Video in 2026. When You Need One, What the Assessment Involves and How Well Online Psychiatry Works

Written By Sama Samy

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specialises in mental health, and seeing one is the right step when a GP has done what can be done in primary care, when the diagnosis is unclear, or when medication needs specialist judgement. That includes depression that has not responded to 2 treatments, suspected bipolar disorder, severe anxiety or obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress, and complex medication reviews where several drugs interact. Demand is high. NHS mental health services received a record 5.2 million referrals in 2024, and the Royal College of Psychiatrists estimated around 1.7 million people were on mental health waiting lists in 2025. Psychiatry is well suited to video. A 2023 meta-analysis in The British Journal of Psychiatry, covering 32 randomised trials and 3,592 people across 11 conditions, found that symptom improvement with telepsychiatry was similar to face-to-face care overall, and slightly better for depression, with no difference in dropout. Some situations, including eating disorders and acute crises, are better managed in person or by specialist teams. At The Wellness a consultant psychiatrist assessment is available by video or in person from £950, with a written diagnosis and plan, and a GP can see you the same day by video from £150 to decide whether you need one. Fees appear further down this page.

Reviewed by the medical team at The Wellness. Last updated 9 October 2026.

Arrange a psychiatrist consultation on WhatsApp or email team@thewellnesslondon.com or call 020 3951 3429.

Key facts about seeing a private psychiatrist

  • A psychiatrist is a medical doctor, so they can diagnose, review physical causes and prescribe.

  • Common reasons to see one are depression that has not improved, suspected bipolar disorder, severe anxiety, OCD, PTSD and complex medication.

  • Video psychiatry produced similar symptom improvement to in-person care in a meta-analysis of 32 randomised trials.

  • Eating disorders and crises are usually better managed in person or by specialist teams.

  • If you have thoughts of harming yourself, call 999 or Samaritans free on 116 123, at any time.

When should you see a psychiatrist rather than a GP

A GP can diagnose and treat most depression and anxiety, and starting with a GP is often right. A psychiatrist adds value when things are not straightforward.

Depression that has not improved after 2 adequate courses of treatment, or that keeps returning.

Possible bipolar disorder, such as periods of unusually high energy, reduced need for sleep and impulsive behaviour, especially if an antidepressant has made things worse.

Severe or complex anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder.

Medication questions that need specialist judgement, such as combining medicines, side effects, switching, or stopping safely.

A diagnosis that is uncertain, or a second opinion on a diagnosis or treatment plan you have been given.

Psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor with specialist training in mental illness. They diagnose, consider physical causes, prescribe and oversee treatment.

A clinical psychologist has doctoral training in psychological assessment and therapy. They provide detailed psychological assessment and evidence-based talking therapies, but do not prescribe.

A therapist or counsellor provides talking therapy, with training that varies by profession and accreditation.

Many people benefit from both medication and therapy. The psychiatrist’s plan sets out which, and who should provide it.

Ask whether you need a psychiatrist on WhatsApp or email team@thewellnesslondon.com.

How well does psychiatry work by video

The 2023 meta-analysis in The British Journal of Psychiatry pooled 32 randomised trials comparing telepsychiatry with face-to-face care in 3,592 people. Overall, symptom improvement was similar. For depressive disorders, video care performed slightly better. Satisfaction and dropout were similar.

The evidence is weaker for some conditions. For eating disorders, the single trial favoured face-to-face treatment, and acute crises need in-person or emergency care.

Video also removes practical barriers, such as travel, time off work and waiting rooms, which helps people keep appointments.

What happens at a psychiatric assessment

Before the appointment you complete questionnaires and share any previous letters, results and a list of medicines.

The assessment covers your current difficulties, your history, physical health, medicines, alcohol and drug use, family history, relationships, work and safety. It takes time, because a careful history is how an accurate diagnosis is made.

Afterwards you receive a written summary with the diagnosis, the reasoning, and a treatment plan, including medication where appropriate and the type of therapy recommended. With your consent, a letter is sent to your GP so care is joined up.

What about ADHD and controlled medicines

ADHD assessment is a separate, structured process. Controlled medicines, including stimulants for ADHD and benzodiazepines, are not issued at a first consultation without established records, and are prescribed only after a full specialist assessment and with appropriate monitoring.

When do you need help urgently

A planned psychiatrist appointment is not the right route in a crisis. Call 999 or go to A&E if you have thoughts of ending your life and feel you may act on them, or if someone is at immediate risk. You can also call NHS 111 and select the mental health option, or Samaritans free on 116 123, at any time.

What does a private psychiatrist cost in London

Membership practices in central London charge annual retainers running into thousands, consultant psychiatrist first appointments in London commonly cost several hundred pounds or more, and continuous private care programmes run to tens of thousands of pounds a year.

At The Wellness each appointment is a single fee, with written summaries and letters included. All figures are from prices.

  • Continuous Care Programme, 12 months of physician oversight with regular reviews and coordination of specialist care, from £24,995.

  • Platinum Membership, from £17,450 a year. Signature Membership, from £6,950 a year or £610 a month.

  • Consultant psychiatrist assessment, by video or in person, with written diagnosis and plan, from £950.

  • Extended 45-minute GP consultation, from £395.

  • Same-day video GP consultation, from £150.

Appointments are available by video, wherever you are in the UK, or at our London clinics, including Marylebone and Belgravia.

Why patients choose The Wellness for psychiatry

Because a GP can see you the same day to decide whether you need a psychiatrist, so the right specialist is chosen.

Because the assessment is thorough, with physical causes and medicines considered alongside mental health.

Because you receive a written diagnosis and plan, not just a conversation.

Because care is joined up, with your GP informed when you agree.

And because it is confidential, with nothing shared with an employer or insurer without your written consent.

Related reading

Private mental health care covers anxiety and depression, seasonal affective disorder covers winter depression, burnout covers exhaustion linked to work, and PTSD and psychiatric injury covers trauma and medico-legal assessments.

Book a psychiatrist consultation on WhatsApp or call 020 3951 3429.

Frequently asked questions

When should I see a psychiatrist instead of a GP

When depression has not improved after 2 treatments, when bipolar disorder is suspected, for severe anxiety, OCD or PTSD, for complex medication questions, or when the diagnosis is uncertain.

Can I see a psychiatrist online

Yes. A 2023 meta-analysis of 32 randomised trials found that symptom improvement with video psychiatry was similar to face-to-face care overall. Crises and some conditions, such as eating disorders, are better managed in person.

What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who diagnoses, considers physical causes and prescribes. A clinical psychologist provides psychological assessment and talking therapy but does not prescribe.

Do I need a referral to see a private psychiatrist

Not always, but seeing a GP first helps make sure a psychiatrist is the right next step and that your history and physical health are already reviewed.

Will my employer or insurer find out

Not from us. Nothing is shared with an employer or insurer without your written consent.

How much does a private psychiatrist cost

At The Wellness a consultant psychiatrist assessment is from £950, with a written diagnosis and plan, and a same-day video GP consultation is from £150.

The Wellness is a doctor-led private healthcare group providing medical care from our London clinics, including Marylebone and Belgravia. All doctors are GMC-registered. Prescriptions are issued only following a consultation and clinical assessment, and controlled medicines are not issued at a first consultation. In an emergency call 999. This article is general information and not a substitute for medical advice about your own health.

Enquire now on WhatsApp or email team@thewellnesslondon.com or call 020 3951 3429.

References

Sama Samy
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