The latest case study
The process of assessing mental capacity
Mary, aged 45, suffered a traumatic brain injury due to a car accident in 2008. Due to the injury, she has been left with significant cognitive difficulties, including memory and executive dysfunction. Her family and the professionals involved in her care questioned her ability to make informed decisions in relation to a number of areas of her life.
To assess whether someone has or lacks capacity, they must fulfil certain criteria. Firstly, it must be clear that they have a ‘disorder of mind’ i.e. a specific condition or diagnosis which... more
Specialist Trauma Services
What is it?
The provision of specialist psychological assessment and treatment/therapies to children and adults with post-traumatic psychological difficulties. This includes broad psychological assessment to inform differential diagnosis of post-traumatic conditions and recommendation regarding treatment appropriateness/readiness and prognosis. The complexity of multiple trauma, chronic post-traumatic conditions and co-morbid conditions (e.g. social anxiety, depression, psychosis) often necessitates ‘integrated’ psychological intervention including a range of treatment approaches. These might include trauma based cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) and psychodynamic therapies.
How will it be delivered?
HPC Registered clinical psychologists with specialist knowledge and expertise in post-traumatic stress and adjustment will deliver assessment and treatments across a range of venues local to the client. Initially, an assessment via clinical interview and use of psychometric measures is undertaken with possible liaison with other professionals. Treatment might take the form of regular therapeutic appointments delivered at a clinic or consulting room local to the client across the south of England.
What are the benefits to the client and referrer?
Provision of highly specialist expert report to the courts
Augments and compliments psychiatric/pharmacological treatment in accordance with NICE guidelines
Informs and reduces risks associated with post-traumatic symptoms e.g. substance misuse, self-harm and psychiatric admission
Early intervention reduces risk of symptom escalation and maladaptive coping associated with waiting list delays
Ameliorating psychological distress reduces longer term costs associated chronic, unresolved post-traumatic conditions