FAQs - JM Mental Health Limited

Q. I have concerns about my child, what should I do?

Talk to your child and try and find out what they’re feeling. If they don’t want to talk to you, encourage them to talk to someone they trust. Reassure them that you are there to support them. Listen to them if they want to talk and take them seriously. Seek professional help. If you contact us, that first (free) chat on the phone is an opportunity to talk through your concerns about your child.

Q. Do I need to see a psychiatrist, a psychologist or a psychotherapist?

While the job titles sound very similar, there are big differences. We all work with many kinds of mental health issues, disorders and syndromes. However, our training is different and how we work with our patients, the goals we set with them and the treatment options are also different.

Psychiatry is the study of mental health problems and their diagnosis, management and prevention. This means we have a medical degree which allows us to prescribe medication (if appropriate) as well as delivering therapy.

A psychologist studies how people think, act, react and interact. They look at all aspects of behaviour and the thoughts, feelings and motivations of a person. Psychologists are not normally medically qualified.

Psychotherapists help people overcome stress, emotional and relationship problems or troublesome habits.

Q. Do you offer assessments for Autism, ADHD and other Neurodevelopmental needs?

We have a close working relationship with Webb-Whitfield Psychology Services, providing joint therapeutic consultant-level neurodevelopmental assessments for children and their families.

Working with Dr Charlotte Webb and her colleagues allows us to provide thorough in-depth assessments, with recommendations personalised for each child. Just as your child is a unique individual, so our assessments reflect that; we don’t have a ‘one size fits all’ approach.

For example, a family may approach us for an Autism or ADHD diagnosis. We will carefully consider all elements because for many individuals, there can be overlapping symptoms of mental health and/or developmental issues.

We will always see your child for face-to-face consultations. Online consultations can be helpful for busy families and we will use them (for example, for talking directly to parents). However by being in the same room with your child, we can build a connection and observe important cues which could be missed during an online consultation.

Whilst there are some overlaps between psychiatry and psychology, there are significant differences. Psychiatrists, like Dr Julia Moss and her colleagues, are medically trained and have a unique understanding of the relationship between physical and mental health; psychiatrists can also prescribe medication if needed.

Clinical Psychologists, like Dr Charlotte Webb, consider how people think, act, react and interact. They consider behaviour as communication and assess how a person thinks, feels and acts to formulate the best understanding of their struggles, whether this be related to mental health neurodivergence, childhood trauma or family-based difficulties. They are also trained to administer standardised tests which are used as part of neurodevelopmental assessments and part of best practice guidelines.

Q. Do you need a GP referral letter?

Yes, we do, unless you are being referred by another health professional.

Q. Will you write to my GP?

Yes, we will, partnership working with your GP is more likely to benefit you and provide a safe network of care.

Q. Will you see my son / daughter alone?

We always suggest that we meet your son or daughter both with you and individually. You will also be given the opportunity to see us alone if you wish.

Q. How long is an appointment?

An initial assessment can take up to 2 hours. A follow-up appointment is for an hour.

Q. How do I rearrange appointment?

If you need to rearrange your appointment you can re-schedule at any time up to 2 working days before your appointment by emailing adminteam@jmmentalhealth.co.uk or by calling 01926 803804. If you are required to re-schedule your appointment within 2 working days of your scheduled appointment, then cancellation charges will apply (see below policy).

Q. How do I cancel my appointment?

Cancellation policy

You can cancel at any time up to 2 working days before your appointment by emailing adminteam@jmmentalhealth.co.uk or by calling 01926 803804.

A strict 100% cancellation charge applies to missed appointments or cancellations within 2 working days of your appointment.
Please let us know as quickly as possible if you are running late. Regretfully, we will not be able to extend the appointment beyond the original scheduled time.

Q. Do you work with insurance companies?

We are not currently taking on new patients funded through insurance companies.

Q. How do I give feedback?

We will ask for your feedback through a formal survey after the first appointment, and also on discharge. Your feedback is of great value to us and always welcome, so please feel free to contact us at anytime.

Q. How do I make a complaint?

As a clinic we strive to provide the best possible service for our patients. However, we recognise that sometimes you may feel that we have not met your needs.

If you have any complaint or concern about the service you have received from the doctors or staff working at this Practice you are entitled to ask for an explanation.
We operate an in-house complaints procedure to deal with your complaint. This procedure does not deal with matters of legal liability or compensation.

Our promise to you

We will

Listen to your complaint or concern
Respond by establishing a clear, appropriate plan of action, and provide you with relevant support and advice
Improve the service however we can

Click here for our full complaints procedure.

Transitioning to Adult Mental Health Care with our sister company Atrom Mindcare

Why does my child need to move to an adult service when they turn 18?

Mental health services are designed to provide age-appropriate care. Once your child turns 18, their support will transition to an adult service that is better suited to their evolving needs, ensuring they continue to receive the right level of care.

How does the transition process work?

We aim to make the process as seamless as possible. Your child’s current consultant will discuss their transition in advance, and we will support you in selecting an appropriate adult service, such as our sister company, Atrom Mindcare. Referrals can be made through their current consultant or by contacting Atrom Mindcare directly.

Will my child still have access to the same treatments and support?

Yes. Their new adult mental health service will offer assessments, medication management, innovative neuromodulation treatments and psychological therapies tailored to their needs. While some treatment approaches may differ, the focus will remain on providing the best possible support.

Can my child choose which psychiatrist they see in the adult service?

Yes. Once referred, they will be given information about available Consultant Psychiatrists, allowing them to choose a clinician they feel comfortable with.

Will my child’s history and diagnosis be transferred to the new service?

Yes, if moving to our sister company Atrom Mindcare. With your child’s consent, we will share relevant medical records to ensure continuity of care. If they have a diagnosis such as ADHD or Autism Spectrum Disorder, previous reports can be used to inform their ongoing treatment, reducing the need for reassessment.

How soon can my child get an appointment in the adult service?

We aim to offer an initial appointment within two weeks of referral. The first assessment lasts one hour to allow their psychiatrist to gain a full understanding of their needs.

Can my child have appointments online, or do they need to attend in person?

Appointments are available in person at Atrom Mindcare’s Epping clinic or Leamington Spa clinic (coming soon). They can also choose a secure online consultation if this is more convenient.

Can I attend my child’s appointments in the adult service?

Adult services typically see patients one-to-one. However, if your child would like you to be present or if you have important information to share, this can be arranged with their consultant.

What if my child feels anxious about the transition?

It’s natural to feel uncertain about this change. We are here to support both you and your child throughout the process, ensuring they feel comfortable and informed. If you have any concerns, please speak to your child’s consultant, and we will do our best to provide reassurance and guidance.

For more information, please visit www.atrommindcare.com or your child’s consultant with any questions.

JM Mental Health Support Guide Resources

We understand that this is a very stressful time for everyone. We want to support you and work with you to improve the situation. This is why we are dedicated to producing a range of support guides to help you navigate through these times.

Why teenagers need their sleep – download

Stress in children and teenagers – download

Supporting your child through exam stress – download

Autism and making friends – download

Understanding ADHD in girls – download

Useful Resources and Guides

Young Minds: youngminds.org.uk

NSPCC: nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/childrens-mental-health/

Childline: childline.org.uk/info-advice/your-feelings/

Emerging minds: emergingminds.org.uk

Autistic & Unapologetic: autisticandunapologetic.com

Government website: warwickshire.gov.uk/children-families

Recommended Apps

Podcasts:

It’s well worth taking a look at the ‘Mental Health Foundation’s 16 free podcasts’ to help you live a mentally happier life – from New Years’ Resolutions to Relaxation for Better Sleep to Mindfulness and How to Overcome Fear and Anxiety.

Can be listened to on the Mental Health Foundation website, downloaded or subscribe to on iTunes.

mentalhealth.org.uk/podcasts-and-videos/podcasts-for-your-wellbeing

Relax Melodies: (Free to install. Contains adverts and in-app purchases)

Relax Melodies is a relaxation and sleep app that allows you to select sounds and melodies that you like and combine them to create a mix. Lay back, listen, and enjoy falling asleep. This app can also be used in many other situations aside from sleep; perfect during some of your favourite activities such as relaxing at the spa, exercising in your yoga or relaxation classes, massaging sessions, or even when taking a nap! For parents, the ideal to help your baby fall asleep!

50 High quality ambient sounds, including 2 binaural beats frequencies for brainwave entrainment.
Mix your favourite sounds together with different volume to create your own personal melodies and get infinite possibilities!
High quality Retina graphics
Include 8 off the shelf favourites for easy startup
Create, Save, Name, Sort and Replay your favourites easily
Multiple Alarms & Timers system. Use your own favourite as alarm to wake up slowly.

Download from Google Play

MindShift: (Free to use)

Struggling with anxiety? Tired of missing out? There are things you can do to stop anxiety and fear from controlling your life. MindShift is an app designed to help teens and young adults cope with anxiety. It can help you change how you think about anxiety. Rather than trying to avoid anxiety, you can make an important shift and face it.

MindShift will help you learn how to relax, develop more helpful ways of thinking, and identify active steps that will help you take charge of your anxiety. This app includes strategies to deal with everyday anxiety, as well as specific tools to tackle:

Test Anxiety
Perfectionism
Social Anxiety
Performance Anxiety
Worry
Panic
Conflict

Think of MindShift as your portable coach helping you face challenging situations and take charge of your life.

MindShift is the work of a collaboration between AnxietyBC (anxietybc.com) and BC Mental Health & Addiction Services (bcmhas.ca). to help teens and young adults cope with anxiety – teaches relaxation skills, develops new thinking and suggests healthy activities.

Download from Google Play

Download from the Apple Store

Wellmind: (Free to use)

Wellmind is your free NHS mental health and wellbeing app designed to help you with stress, anxiety and depression. The app includes advice, tips and tools to improve your mental health and boost your wellbeing.

Download from Google Play

Download from the Apple Store

Daylio: (Free to install. Contains adverts and in-app purchases)

Daylio enables you to keep a private diary without having to type a single line. Pick your mood and add activities you have been doing during the day. You can also add notes and keep an old school diary. Daylio is collecting recorded moods and activities in the statistics and calendar.

This format will help you to understand your habits better.

Download from Google Play

Download from the Apple Store

Stay Alive: (Free to use)

This app is a pocket suicide prevention resource, packed full of useful information to help you stay safe.

You can use it if you are having thoughts of suicide or if you are concerned about someone else who may be considering suicide.

Download from Google Play

Download from the Apple Store

The Stress & Anxiety Companion: (£0.99) This app is only available on the App Store for iOS devices.

The Stress & Anxiety Companion app gives you the tools you need to manage anxious feelings and identify their triggers, so they won’t trip you up in the future. It can help build your mental muscles to make you stronger and happier. Some of the features include:

Anxiety busting exercises:

Re-Breathing: control your breathing with the help of our visual exercises.
Mindfulness and muscle relaxation recordings to help your muscles relax and ease tension.
Brain exercises: Quick and fun exercises to interrupt anxious or negative thinking.

Download from the Apple Store

Calm Harm: (Free to use)

Calm Harm provides tasks that help you resist or manage the urge to self- harm. You can add your own tasks too and it’s completely private and password protected.