The referral process
From the moment you identify a patient who needs assessment, to receiving a clear written report — every step is designed to be straightforward, fast, and clinically robust.
Step by step
Three straightforward steps from your first concern to a written report you can place in the patient's file.
Step 01
You notice red flags during a consultation — perhaps a patient with escalating dissatisfaction after multiple procedures, a positive BDDQ screen, a disclosed history of self-harm, or simply an unease you can't articulate. You decide to refer before proceeding.
Use our secure online referral form or email assess@cosmeticsurgerypsychiatry.co.uk directly. You do not need a GP letter — just a brief outline of your concerns and the procedure planned. Patient initials only are needed at this stage.
Step 02
We acknowledge your referral within one working day, confirm the appropriate assessment type, and provide appointment options. For routine assessments, appointments are typically available within 1–2 weeks. For urgent or rapid pathway cases, we aim for 48–72 hours.
We contact the patient directly to arrange the appointment, or work through you if you prefer. Appointments are available in-person at 10 Harley Street or by secure video consultation.
Step 03
The patient meets with our Consultant Psychiatrist for a 60–90 minute consultation. The assessment is conducted with sensitivity — patients are often anxious, and we always explain clearly why the assessment has been requested and what it involves.
The assessment covers: full psychiatric history, current mental state, insight and motivation, validated screening instruments (BDDQ, Y-BOCS-BDD, PHQ-9, GAD-7), and risk evaluation. For complex cases a second appointment may be recommended.
Step 04
A comprehensive written report is sent to you (the referring clinician) within 5–7 working days of the assessment. For rapid pathway cases, a verbal summary is provided immediately after the appointment, with the written report within 3 working days.
The report gives you a clear recommendation — proceed, defer pending treatment, or contraindicated — with full clinical reasoning. It is formatted for your records and for medico-legal purposes.
Typical turnaround
Not sure if you should refer?
We welcome informal calls from practitioners who want a quick clinical steer. You don't need to identify the patient — just describe the presentation.
Email us to arrange a callMaking the referral
The more context you can provide, the better we can tailor the assessment. Here's what makes a good referral — but don't be put off if you have limited information. A brief description of your concern is always enough to get started.
Quick option: Email us at assess@cosmeticsurgerypsychiatry.co.uk with the patient's initials, the procedure, and a one-line description of your concern. We'll follow up to collect anything else we need.
Your details and practice nameReferring clinician name, specialty, email and phone
Patient initials, age and sexFull name not required at referral stage
Procedure plannedWhat has been requested and whether it is technically appropriate from your perspective
Your specific clinical concernsWhat prompted the referral — red flags observed, patient behaviour, disclosed history
Screening scores if availableBDDQ result, PHQ-9, GAD-7 — include date administered
Psychiatric history disclosed by the patientAny diagnoses, medications, or previous mental health treatment mentioned
UrgencyWhether a rapid assessment is needed due to a planned surgical date
The report
Every Cosmetic Surgery Psychiatry report follows the same clear structure, designed for a surgical audience. Reports are typically 3–5 pages and are suitable for inclusion in the patient's medical record.
Full psychiatric history including previous diagnoses, medication, hospitalisations, self-harm, and relevant social history. Surgical history and patient's account of their concern.
Formal Mental State Examination: appearance, behaviour, speech, mood, affect, thought form and content, perceptions, cognition, insight and judgement.
BDDQ result, Y-BOCS-BDD total and subscale scores with severity classification, PHQ-9, GAD-7, and AUDIT-C where relevant. All interpreted in clinical context.
DSM-5 diagnosis with clinical reasoning, where criteria are met. Differential diagnoses discussed where relevant. Comorbidities recorded.
Suicidal ideation, self-harm, risk to others including the surgical team. Current and historical risk factors. Risk stratification and management recommendations.
The key section. Clear, unambiguous guidance: proceed, defer pending treatment, or contraindicated. With conditions if applicable and capacity statement if requested.
Turnaround times
We offer three pathways depending on urgency. If you are unsure which applies, contact us and we will advise.
working day
Referral acknowledgement and appointment scheduling
weeks
Routine appointment availability from referral date
hours
Urgent pathway — appointment for time-sensitive surgical decisions
working days
Written report to referring clinician (3 days on rapid pathway)
Get started today
We respond within one working day. No GP referral required — just a brief description of your clinical concern and the procedure planned.