Consent to Assessment & Treatment Policy

Written By Afraa Delvi

Effective Date: 13th July 2026
Review Date: 13th July 2027

1. Purpose

This policy explains how informed consent is obtained before assessment and treatment at The Perinatal Psychiatrist.

My aim is to ensure that you understand:

  • the nature and purpose of your assessment;

  • any proposed treatment;

  • the benefits, risks and alternatives available to you; and

  • your rights throughout your care.

Consent is an ongoing process rather than a single event, and you are encouraged to ask questions at any stage of your treatment.

2. Principles of Consent

Consent will only be considered valid if it is:

  • Voluntary – given freely without pressure or coercion.

  • Informed – based on sufficient information about the proposed assessment or treatment.

  • Given by a person with capacity – able to understand, retain, weigh relevant information and communicate a decision.

Where appropriate, consent will be revisited throughout your care.

3. Psychiatric Assessment

Your initial consultation is a comprehensive psychiatric assessment.

This may include discussion of:

  • your current symptoms and concerns;

  • your mental health history;

  • physical health history;

  • current medication;

  • previous treatments;

  • family history;

  • social and occupational circumstances;

  • alcohol and substance use;

  • pregnancy or breastfeeding (where relevant);

  • safeguarding issues;

  • assessment of risk to yourself or others.

The purpose of the assessment is to understand your difficulties, consider any diagnoses, and discuss appropriate treatment options.

No diagnosis can be guaranteed following a single consultation.

4. Treatment

Following assessment, treatment options will be discussed with you.

These may include:

  • medication;

  • psychological therapy;

  • lifestyle recommendations;

  • referral to other healthcare professionals;

  • further investigations;

  • additional specialist assessments.

You will be given the opportunity to discuss:

  • expected benefits;

  • possible risks and side effects;

  • alternative treatments;

  • the likely consequences of declining treatment.

You are free to accept or decline any recommendation.

5. Medication

Where medication is recommended:

You will be informed about:

  • why it is being recommended;

  • expected benefits;

  • common side effects;

  • important risks;

  • monitoring requirements;

  • expected duration of treatment.

Some medications require:

  • blood pressure monitoring;

  • pulse monitoring;

  • weight monitoring;

  • blood tests;

  • ECGs.

You agree to participate in any monitoring considered necessary for safe prescribing.

6. Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

As a specialist in perinatal psychiatry, medication decisions during pregnancy and breastfeeding are made using an individualised risk–benefit assessment.

Treatment recommendations will consider:

  • your mental health;

  • maternal wellbeing;

  • fetal or infant exposure;

  • available safety evidence;

  • your personal preferences.

Shared decision-making forms the basis of all prescribing decisions.

7. Communication with Your GP

With your consent, your GP will receive copies of:

  • assessment letters;

  • medication recommendations;

  • follow-up correspondence.

Sharing information with your GP supports continuity and safety of care.

You may decline consent for communication with your GP.

However, this may affect my ability to prescribe medication safely or provide ongoing treatment.

8. Confidentiality

Your information will be treated confidentially.

Information will not normally be shared without your consent except where:

  • required by law;

  • there is a serious risk to your safety;

  • there is a serious risk to another person;

  • safeguarding concerns require disclosure;

  • disclosure is ordered by a court or other legal authority.

Where possible, I will discuss any necessary disclosure with you beforehand.

9. Capacity

It is presumed that adult patients have capacity to make decisions regarding their care unless there is evidence to suggest otherwise.

If there are concerns regarding capacity, decisions will be made in accordance with the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and relevant professional guidance.

10. Right to Withdraw Consent

You may withdraw your consent to treatment at any time.

Withdrawal of consent will not affect the lawfulness of treatment already provided.

If treatment is withdrawn, alternative options will be discussed where appropriate.

11. Limits of the Service

The Perinatal Psychiatrist provides scheduled outpatient consultations only.

The Practice does not provide:

  • emergency psychiatric assessment;

  • crisis intervention;

  • inpatient treatment;

  • 24-hour medical cover;

  • emergency prescribing.

If you experience a mental health crisis, you should contact:

  • your GP;

  • NHS 111;

  • your local Mental Health Crisis Team;

  • your nearest Emergency Department; or

  • 999 if there is an immediate risk to life.

Email must never be used for urgent medical advice.

12. Questions

You are encouraged to ask questions at any stage of your assessment or treatment.

I will ensure that you have sufficient information to make informed decisions regarding your care.

13. Consent Statement

By attending your appointment and providing electronic consent during registration, you confirm that:

  • you have read and understood this policy;

  • you consent to psychiatric assessment;

  • you understand the proposed treatment options will be discussed with you before they are initiated;

  • you understand the benefits, risks and alternatives of treatment will be explained;

  • you understand the limits of the service provided by the Practice; and

  • you have had the opportunity to ask questions.

Document Version: 1.0

Afraa Delvi
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