Frequently Asked Questions

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Do you know of any self-help books we might read?

We have identified a selection which Dr Grigoriou has reviewed in the Psychology section. These are for the following problems:

• Anxiety and Phobias
• OCD
• Depression
• Low Self-esteem
• Alcohol or drug problems

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Do I need a referral from my family doctor(GP)?

Yes. This is good practice and we follow it. Exceptions are people coming from abroad without a UK family doctor, and people who are not presently registered with a family doctor (we can help you to locate one). Some people will be referred from another specialist or professional and we would tend to write back to that person and let your family doctor have a copy of that correspondence.

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What are your opening times?

The Sloane Court Clinic is open Monday to Friday inclusively and on Saturday mornings. We are able to offer early morning appointments and evening appointments.

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Can you see people urgently?

Generally on the same day, subject to there being a space available.

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Do you have a waiting list?

We do not operate a waiting list, and it is our philosophy not to.

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How do Prescriptions work and is there a fee?

Prescriptions can be issued for patients who are in active management by Dr Howells, otherwise if not in treatment your general practitioner would be the person to prescribe for you. We do not charge for prescriptions issued during outpatient appointments. All other times there is a charge of £15 per prescription.

We are unable to renew prescriptions at short notice or at the weekend and suggest as guidance that requests for repeat prescriptions are made 5 working days before they run out.

Our nearest pharmacy is Andrews Pharmacy at the Sloane Square end of Sloane Street. Our experience is that this pharmacy generally carries a good stock of the medication prescribed by the clinic.

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How much do appointments cost?

Our schedule of charges can be obtained from a call to Reception, however in general we charge an inclusive fee of £300 per hour of psychiatrist time and £160 or £175 per hour of psychologist time, depending on which psychologist is seen.

Appointments are scheduled at 60 minute or 30 minute intervals and a short interval allows for patient changeover, delays, note writing, etc. VAT is not chargeable on medical services.

For legal reports and interviews the fee is £200 per hour.

We are now able to accept credit card payments.

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Are there other costs?

Not generally. We do not charge for short enquires to Dr Howells and other necessary out of appointment contacts. We do charge for out of hours prescriptions and more prolonged clinical contacts on the telephone, and for certain other services which are detailed on a schedule of charges made available at the Clinic.

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What Insurance companies do you work with?

All of the UK medical insurance companies. Many non-UK ones as well.

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Can you help with travel arrangements?

The Location & Travel page of this website is reasonably comprehensive, however if you require additional travel help do contact the Clinic by telephone, fax or email.

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What is a psychiatrist?

A Psychiatrist is a doctor who specialises in mental health problems and is trained to deal with the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional disorders. A consultant psychiatrist is a doctor who has reached a senior position in terms of qualifications, treating people, training other doctors and helping to organize and run services. (see Royal College of Psychiatrists).

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What is a clinical psychologist?

A clinical psychologist is a psychologist who has undergone specialist training in the treatment of people with mental health problems. Psychologists observe and measure human behaviour scientifically and produce models and therapies based on this knowledge. (see Royal College of Psychiatrists and the British Psychological Society).
A chartered counselling psychologist has trained to deliver different types of psychotherapy such as cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT).

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Do you take credit cards?

We take Visa, Mastercard, Delta, Maestro etc, but not American Express.

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If you have any other questions, please use our Contact Form to ask the Clinic.