General Psychiatric assessment
A private psychiatric assessment at Alexmed is a thorough, consultant-led evaluation of your mental health, carried out by Dr Micheal Kurkar, a GMC-registered Consultant Psychiatrist, at our clinic in Didsbury, Manchester. The appointment lasts 60–90 minutes and results in a clear diagnosis where appropriate, a personalised treatment and management plan, and a detailed clinic letter. We accept direct self-referrals as well as referrals from your GP, with no NHS waiting list.
What is a general psychiatric assessment?
A general psychiatric assessment is a comprehensive review of your psychological,
emotional and behavioural health by a consultant psychiatrist – a medical doctor who
specialises in mental health and can diagnose conditions, prescribe medication and coordinate
treatment. Unlike a brief GP appointment, an assessment is unhurried and dedicated entirely
to understanding your symptoms, history and goals, so you leave with answers and a plan
rather than a referral onwards.
Conditions we assess and treat
Dr Kurkar assesses and manages the full range of adult mental health conditions,
including:
- Mood disorders — depression, treatment-resistant depression (TRD)
and bipolar affective disorder - Anxiety disorders — generalised anxiety, panic disorder and
phobias - Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Psychotic illness — schizophrenia, psychosis and organic
psychosis - Personality disorders
- Perinatal psychiatry — postnatal depression and psychosis, and
medication reviews before, during and after pregnancy
If you are seeking an assessment specifically for adult ADHD, please see our Adult ADHD Assessment
page.
What happens during your assessment
Your appointment is led entirely by Dr Kurkar.
During the 60–90 minutes he will:
- Take a full history of your current difficulties, general health and any previous
treatment - Carry out a mental state examination and, where helpful, use recognised clinical
screening tools - Complete a risk assessment to make sure you are safe and supported
- Discuss any medication you currently take and how it is working
- Reach a diagnosis where one is indicated, and explain what it means in plain
language
The aim is a complete clinical picture, formulated by a senior psychiatrist, not a checklist.
What you receive afterwards
You will not leave with unanswered questions. After your assessment you receive:
- A diagnosis where clinically appropriate
- A personalised treatment and management plan, with advice and possible
interventions discussed with you on the day - A detailed clinic letter summarising the findings and recommendations,
which can be shared with your GP
Your consultant psychiatrist — Dr Micheal Kurkar
Your assessment is carried out by Dr Micheal Kurkar, a Consultant Psychiatrist registered
with the General Medical Council (GMC #6061661) and a Member of the Royal College of
Psychiatrists (MRCPsych). Alongside his private practice, Dr Kurkar is an NHS Clinical
Director and was Principal Investigator on the BRIGhTMIND trial, published in
Nature Medicine. This depth of clinical and research experience means complex
and treatment-resistant presentations are assessed by one of the region’s most
experienced psychiatrists
Treatment options after your assessment
Where treatment is recommended, options may include medication management, referral for
talking therapy, or — for depression that has not responded to standard treatments
— Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), a treatment in which Dr Kurkar is a recognised specialist. Every plan is agreed with you and reviewed over time.
Book your assessment in Didsbury, Manchester
Alexmed is based at Calderbank Medical Chambers, 599 Wilmslow Road, Didsbury, Manchester M20 3QD, with easy access across Greater Manchester. To arrange an assessment, call 07376 079877 or Make an Enquiry.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a psychiatric assessment take?
A first assessment at Alexmed lasts 60-90 minutes. Complex presentations may
occasionally take longer.
How much does a private psychiatric assessment cost?
A general psychiatric assessment costs £[XXX] and includes the full
60–90 minute consultation, diagnosis, treatment plan and your written clinic letter.
Follow-up reviews and prescriptions are charged separately — current fees are available
on request. We accept self-pay and [list insurers, e.g. Bupa, AXA, Vitality, Aviva].
Do I need a GP referral?
No. You can refer yourself directly — a GP referral is not required to book a
private psychiatric assessment at Alexmed. We also welcome referrals from GPs and other
clinicians. Self-referral means you can be seen quickly, without waiting for an NHS
pathway.
Will I get a diagnosis on the day?
Where the clinical picture is clear, Dr Kurkar will give a diagnosis during your
appointment and explain it. This is confirmed in your clinic letter.
Can the psychiatrist prescribe medication?
Yes. As a Consultant Psychiatrist, Dr Kurkar can prescribe and review medication as part of your treatment plan.
Do you offer treatment as well as assessment?
Yes, including medication management, therapy referral and TMS for
treatment-resistant depression.