GP Led Mental Health Appointments
Struggling with your mental health can be a very difficult and challenging.
With all the advice and information available to us it can be tricky to know what to do for the best.
That is where our GP Mental Health Appointments can be most helpful.
They provide you with access to an experienced GP who has the time to listen to your thoughts, worries and concerns and will give you the best advice on how to start to make a change to improve your mental health.
When should you seek help for your mental health?
Mental health can be a tricky beast to manage.
Sometimes it can change suddenly with anxiety or depression and low mood coming out of nowhere and other times it can creep up slowly, so that you don’t really notice how bad things.
Often it is when someone close to us asks us if we are ok.
Or if you suddenly realise that maybe you are not ok.
If you are not sure if you should be seeking help for your mental health then here are a list of symptoms that can mean now is a good time to ask for help:
- Persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, or hopelessness
- Difficulty coping with daily tasks or responsibilities
- Sudden changes in mood, sleep, or appetite
- Increased stress or overwhelming thoughts
- Withdrawing from friends, family, or activities you once enjoyed
- Trouble concentrating or making decisions
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicidal ideation
If you any of these feelings seem familiar then it is worth seeking professional support. Our GPs can help you navigate your emotions and find effective ways to improve your well-being. This list is not a complete list so if you are feeling that everything is not quite right then speaking to a professional is often the best place to start to try to find an answer.
Our Mental Health Appointments provide a safe and confidential space where you can discuss your concerns and explore the best options for support and treatment.
We ensure that you have plenty of time to talk through your situation without feeling rushed.
Who Are These Appointments Suitable For?
- Anyone over the age of 16 who is struggling with anxiety, depression or other mental health problems.
- Anyone over the age of 16 who would like a second opninion on treatment options for their mental health.
- Parents/ Carers or others who are looking for advice and signposting about mental health and options for themselves or their children.
- Anyone under the age of 16.
- People looking for ADHD or Autism assessments or diagnosis as we do not currently have the ability to offer this service.
- Those looking for a prescription of antidepressants for someone under 16 unless in conjunction with consultant psychiatrist on a share care agreement.
If you have a particular outcome that you want from thise appointment please contact us to see if we can fufil that within this appointment.
Who Are These Appointments Not Suitable For?
GP Mental Health Appointment - £120
A 30 minute appointment with one of our experienced GPs. This appointment gives you plenty of time to discuss your mental health in depth. Your private GP will take time to listen to you concerns and what you would like to happen. They will give you lifestyle advice and can prescribe medication as needed to help you on the way to better mental health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our Private General Practitioners
Dr James Cave (He/Him)
GP
James is a senior General Practitioner with over 30 years of experience. He has a wealth of experience in all aspects of medicine including Cardiovascular disease (particularly the management of cholesterol and blood pressure), Respiratory diseases, Endocrine, ENT, Musculoskeletal, and Rheumatology.
His work as Editor-in-Chief of the medical journal Drug & Therapeutics Bulletin means he has significant expertise in understanding the pros and cons of drugs and enjoys working with patients to understand what might be best for them rather than satisfying a target set elsewhere.
He has a particular interest in the care of the elderly and does offer a visiting service. He believes passionately in personal care and understands how difficult it has become for people to see their GP. Whether you have a new problem, would like time to really talk through an ongoing issue, or just get a second opinion James will be delighted to help.
In addition to general consultations, he offers soft-tissue and joint injections for such problems as frozen shoulders, arthritis, tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, Morton’s neuroma, and trigger finger.
In 2009 James was honoured with an OBE for services to medicine.
Dr Barbara Barrie (She/Hers)
GP
Having qualified from Edinburgh University in 1989, I have worked in the NHS for 34 years, mainly as a GP Partner, but I have also had short spells employed as a Salaried GP and GP Retainer.
In addition, I have been a Macmillan GP, an Out of Hours GP working regular weekend sessions, and a GP in Palliative Medicine.
My clinical interests are Mental Health, Women’s health, and Palliative Medicine but in my day-to-day practice, I cover all aspects of primary care.
I am qualified to fit intrauterine devices (coils) for contraception, HRT, and in the management of heavy menstrual bleeding, as well as ring pessaries for management of gynaecological prolapse.
In addition, I perform steroid knee injections to help with knee pain due to arthritis.
Aside from work, I enjoy walking my 3 dogs, ski- ing, and singing in a local choir.
Dr Susan Connell (She/Hers)
GP
I qualified from Charing Cross & Westminster Medical School in 1993 & as a General Practitioner in 2001. I have a passion for Medicine & for thorough, holistic care. I look forward to meeting you & helping you to shape your health goals.
Dr Tom Morgan (He/Him)
GP
Dr. Tom Morgan qualified in medicine from The University of Bristol in 2011, following a degree in Physiology at The University of Southampton. His medical training took place across various hospitals and GP practises within Berkshire and Oxfordshire. Currently, he works as a GP Partner at The Boathouse Surgery in Pangbourne and has previously worked in various GP
practices across Reading and Oxfordshire.
With a keen interest in all aspects of primary care, Dr. Morgan has a particular passion for mental health, the care of the elderly and Men's health. He worked for seven years at the Reading Mental Health Crisis Team, where he managed complex and urgent mental health issues. Additionally, he played a vital role in establishing a new mental health service in Berkshire to enhance collaboration between primary and secondary care.
Believing in the importance of family medicine, He emphasizes that developing a strong relationship with patients is essential for understanding their concerns and providing effective care. He values the time afforded by private general practice to fully grasp each patient's situation and collaborate on a tailored care plan.
He lives in South Oxfordshire with his wife, two energetic boys, and their adored golden retriever. He enjoys family life and the beautiful countryside of the region, as well as watching cricket when time allows.
He looks forward to working with you to support your health and well-being