Dr. Sunniva Aldercott
Consultant psychiatrist, clinical lead
Sees people for psychiatric assessment and medicine reviews.
Assessment, care and one person to call
Wrenhollow Mental Health is a group outpatient clinic. Psychiatrists, psychologists and nurses work as one team, and a care coordinator is your contact throughout. Doctors can refer, and you can get in touch yourself.
One teamPsychiatry, psychology and nursing together
A named care coordinatorYour contact between appointments
Two clinicsFennimore Court and Tarn Street
Assessment and care under one roof
Most people start with an assessment. Your clinician then talks through the options with you, and you decide together what comes next.
| Service | What it covers | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Psychiatric assessment | A long appointment with a psychiatrist about your symptoms, history and daily life, with a letter to your usual doctor. | People who want a diagnosis looked at or a second view |
| Psychological assessment | A conversation with a psychologist, sometimes with questionnaires, to understand what is going on and which therapy may fit. | People considering therapy |
| Individual therapy | One-to-one sessions with a psychologist, planned around what you want to work on. | People who prefer to work one to one |
| Group programmes | Small weekly groups on mood, anxiety and coping skills, led by a nurse and a psychologist. | People who would value working alongside others |
| Medicine reviews | A review with a psychiatrist of the medicines you already take and how you are finding them. | People already taking medicines for their mental health |
| Care coordination | One named person who books appointments, keeps your doctor informed and is your contact between visits. | Everyone under the care of the clinic |
Who we see
We see adults. Not sure which one fits? You do not need a label to get in touch. Tell us what has been happening and we will work it out with you.
- Adult ADHD assessment
- Anxiety and panic
- Autism assessment for adults
- Bipolar disorder
- Depression
- Eating difficulties
- Health anxiety
- Long periods of low mood
- Obsessive-compulsive symptoms
- Post-traumatic stress
- Sleep problems linked to mood
- Trauma
How care starts
Allow time for the first appointment. Bring what you have, and bring someone with you if you like.
- Referral or enquiryYour doctor sends a referral, or you contact us yourself. A clinician reads every one.
- A call from your care coordinatorA phone call of about 20 minutes to hear what is going on and match you to the right clinician.
- Assessment, 60 to 90 minutesTime with a psychiatrist or psychologist to talk through your history and what you want from care.
- Your care plan, 30 minutesYou and your care coordinator agree next steps, and we write to your usual doctor.
What each appointment involves
A general guide. Your appointment letter has the details for your own visit. If the two differ, follow the letter.
| Appointment | What it is | How long |
|---|---|---|
| Care coordinator call | A first phone call to hear what is going on and plan your assessment | 20 minutes |
| Psychiatric assessment | A conversation with a psychiatrist about your symptoms, history and daily life | 60 to 90 minutes |
| Psychological assessment | A conversation with a psychologist, sometimes with questionnaires | 60 minutes |
| Group programme session | A small weekly group led by a nurse and a psychologist | 90 minutes |
| Medicine review | A review with a psychiatrist of the medicines you already take | 30 minutes |
Sample content. Replace appointment names and timings with your own.
Who you will see
You will be matched to the clinician whose work fits what you have told us, or you can ask for someone by name.
Dr. Kwame Tressider
Clinical psychologist
Carries out psychological assessments and individual therapy.
Maren Oakhurst
Mental health nurse
Runs the group programmes alongside the psychology team.
Lucan Pettibrook
Care coordinator
Your contact between appointments, and the link to your usual doctor.
Questions
Do I need a referral?
No. Many people are referred by their doctor, and you can also get in touch yourself.
What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist?
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can assess mental health conditions and prescribe. A psychologist works mainly through assessment and talking therapy. Both work in this clinic, and we will suggest who to see first.
Should I keep taking my medicines?
Please do not change anything because of this page. Talk to the doctor who prescribes them if you have questions.
How long will I wait?
Waits change from month to month. Your care coordinator will tell you the current wait when they call.
Will my doctor or family be told?
We write to your usual doctor after assessment, and you get a copy. We only speak to family if you agree, unless we are seriously worried about your safety or someone else's.
Is this a crisis service?
No. We see people by appointment. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call your local emergency number or a local crisis line.
Our clinics
Both clinics have step-free access and quiet waiting rooms. Group programmes run at Fennimore Court.
Fennimore Court18 Fennimore CourtMon to Fri 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM · (555) 018-7360
Tarn Street5 Tarn Street, above the libraryTue and Thu 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM · (555) 018-7361