Question 1

DO YOUR AUTISM ASSESSMENTS FOLLOW NICE GUIDELINES?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our autism assessments are designed to follow current NICE guidelines and are completed by a multidisciplinary team of appropriately qualified professionals.
 
A comprehensive autism assessment should include a detailed developmental history, information gathered from multiple sources, direct observation and the use of recognised assessment tools where appropriate. Our team uses standardised assessment methods including ADOS-2, ADI-R and 3Di, alongside clinical interviews and professional judgement.
 
All assessment findings are considered against recognised diagnostic criteria, including DSM-5 and ICD-11 standards. Assessments are peer discussed to ensure a thorough and robust diagnostic process, helping families gain a clear understanding of their child's strengths, challenges and support needs.

Question 2

DO YOUR ADHD ASSESSMENTS FOLLOW NICE GUIDELINES?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our ADHD assessments are designed to follow current NICE guidelines and are carried out by appropriately qualified clinicians with experience in neurodevelopmental assessment.
 
A comprehensive ADHD assessment involves much more than completing a questionnaire. We gather evidence from multiple sources, explore childhood history, assess current symptoms across different settings and consider any co-occurring conditions that may be affecting day-to-day life.
 
Our team uses recognised assessment tools such as DIVA, the ADHD Child Evaluation Schedule and QB Check where appropriate. All assessments are peer discussed, and we have access to Psychiatrist input for more complex presentations.

Following diagnosis, we can also provide access to medication services through Prescribing Pharmacists and offer ongoing support through our Crossing the Spectrum programme.

Question 3

DO I NEED TO PREPARE ANYTHING BEFORE THE ASSESSMENT?

Accepted Answer

It can be helpful to gather information about childhood development, school experiences, previous reports and examples of current difficulties before your assessment. However, there is no need to worry if you do not have everything available.

During your initial consultation, our team will guide you through the information that may be most helpful to gather.

For a detailed guide, see our article: How to prepare for an ADHD or autism assessment.

Question 4

DO YOU OFFER ADHD MEDICATION OR PRESCRIBING SERVICES FOLLOWING DIAGNOSIS?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Cross Psychology works with experienced Independent Prescribing Pharmacists who provide ADHD medication assessments, prescribing and titration services for both children and adults following diagnosis.

The process includes health screening, medication titration, ongoing monitoring and support, with Shared Care Agreements available where appropriate and accepted by your GP.

For more information about the prescribing process, titration and fees, see our guide: ADHD Medication, Prescribing and Titration Services.

Question 5

HOW CAN I CHECK YOUR QUALIFICATIONS

Accepted Answer

All practitioner psychologists must be registered with our regulatory body the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC). This offers you reassurances that we have met their professional standards for training, skills, behaviour and  health.

I encourage you to check the HCPC register to ensure that anyone who you choose to work with is listed on this register. You can do this via the website www.hcpc-uk.org. My HCPC registration number is PYL24596.

Question 6

HOW LONG DOES EACH THERAPY SESSION LAST?

Accepted Answer

We will generally meet for 50 minutes, known as a therapy hour. However, it maybe that 50 minutes is too long for you and we will adapt and change this if this is necessary.

Question 7

WHAT ARE THE FEES FOR THERAPY SERVICES?

Accepted Answer

I offer a free 20 minute consultation. You can get in touch with me via the contact form to tell me a little bit about what you feel would be helpful at this time.  I aim to respond to all enquires within 48 hours, so if you haven't received a response within this timeframe it may be worth checking your spam folder.

If after this, you and I, decide that further therapeutic sessions would be helpful, these will be charged at £130 per session.

Question 8

WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?

Accepted Answer

If you are unable to attend your appointment and cancel within 48 hours there will be no charge and we can re-arrange this to the next convenient date for us both. 
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However, if you do not cancel within this timeframe you will be charged the full session fee.

Question 9

WHAT ARE YOUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Accepted Answer

These Terms and Conditions set out what you can expect from me and what I can expect from you. This forms our Therapy Contract.

Question 10

LEGAL JURISDICTION

Accepted Answer

I am a UK trained, registered and insured Clinical Psychologist. This contract and the work to which it relates are subject to the jurisdiction of the laws of England and Wales.

Question 11

CONFIDENTIALITY

Accepted Answer

What you share with me in your sessions is private and will be kept confidential. This means I will not share your information with anyone without your consent, bar limits of confidentiality outlined below.

Question 12

MUTUALLY AGREED SHARING OF INFORMATION

Accepted Answer

Sometimes it is helpful to share your information with others, e.g. with your GP or a trusted family member. If you feel this would be helpful I will ask you to sign a consent form clearly naming the person / people you wish us to share with.

Question 13

CLINICAL SUPERVISION

Accepted Answer

All Clinical Psychologists attend regular supervision to ensure good practice where your case may be discussed. Your anonymity will always be maintained during this process.

Question 14

COURT

Accepted Answer

For your awareness clinical notes can be subpoenaed should we be called to court.

Question 15

LIMITS OF CONFIDENTIALITY

Accepted Answer

If I am concerned that you, or someone else, is at risk of harm I will not be able to maintain confidentiality. I have a professional duty of care and statutory obligation to communicate any such concerns to the relevant authorities. This is to protect your, or someone else’s safety. If I have to break confidentiality I will always try to discuss this with you first.

Question 16

DATA PROTECTION

Accepted Answer

I am registered with the ICO and comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) as it applies in the UK, tailored by the Data Protection Act (2018).
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I am serious about protecting your privacy and security, and take the following measures to do so:
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Data Collection
I will only collect and store information which is necessary and relevant to our therapeutic work together: to promote a good quality therapeutic relationship, therapy, and care.

On-line communication
I only use encrypted products for communication:
•    Video calls: I  use Zoom (https://www.zoom.us) 
•    Emails: I use encrypted email

Please note that although I only use encrypted, secure online platforms to protect your privacy and confidentiality, this does not 100% guarantee a breach may not occur.
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You may choose to have phone calls, or use a different means of video communication (e.g. FaceTime/Whatsapp), however this will be on the understanding that you know these means of communication are less secure and so have more risk of your privacy being breached.
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Data Storage
I use a GDPR compliant cloud solution to securely store your personal information and case notes. I have locked metal filing cabinets for securely storing any additional information.

Data Sharing
When sharing your information I will only share the minimum information needed, with the people who need to know, to ensure you are provided with a good quality of care.

My complete privacy policy is available via a link at the foot of every web page.

Dr Zoe Cross, Experienced Clinical Psychologist Supporting Adults and Children

Frequently asked questions