Clinical Partners

This week marks five years since the first COVID-19 lockdown and school closures began in the UK. While we've all worked hard to move forward, the impact on young people's mental health is still felt today. To better understand this, we commissioned new research involving young adults and their guardians. The findings reveal that significant challenges remain and there is still important work to do. Key insights highlight ongoing challenges across education, careers and social well-being, with many young adults experiencing heightened anxiety, career uncertainty and isolation. Our Clinical Director, Dr Andrea Pickering, emphasises: “It’s crucial that young people and their families know where to turn for help. No one should have to navigate these challenges alone, and ensuring the right support is easy to find remains essential.” We entered the pandemic together, now it’s time we come together again to address its lasting impacts. By shining a spotlight on this issue, we hope to reduce stigma around mental health and encourage young people and their families to seek support. 🔗 Discover more about our findings here: https://bit.ly/4hjR8Qs  

This week marks five years since the first COVID-19 lockdown and school closures began in the UK. While we've all worked hard to move forward, the impact on young people's mental health is still felt today. To better understand this, we commissioned new research involving young adults and their guardians. The findings reveal that significant challenges remain and there is still important work to do. Key insights highlight ongoing challenges across education, careers and social well-being, with many young adults experiencing heightened anxiety, career uncertainty and isolation. Our Clinical Director, Dr Andrea Pickering, emphasises: “It’s crucial that young people and their families know where to turn for help. No one should have to navigate these challenges alone, and ensuring the right support is easy to find remains essential.” We entered the pandemic together, now it’s time we come together again to address its lasting impacts. By shining a spotlight on this issue, we hope to reduce stigma around mental health and encourage young people and their families to seek support. 🔗 Discover more about our findings here: https://bit.ly/4hjR8Qs  

Feedback from those we’re privileged to support is invaluable. It reminds us why we do what we do and how we can keep improving. We’re incredibly proud of the dedication and compassion our team brings to their work every day. We asked members of our team to share Trustpilot reviews that resonated with them. James Owen, our Head of Marketing Communications, chose this one because it speaks to our goal of making each person’s journey as smooth and supportive as possible: 🗨️ “I had an excellent experience with Clinical Partners for my autism assessment. After years of waiting on the NHS list, I decided to go private, and I’m so glad I did. Everything was set up quickly, and whenever I had questions, the team was friendly and helpful over the phone. Both assessors were welcoming and made me feel at ease throughout the process. I highly recommend them to anyone considering a private assessment!” Thank you to everyone who shares their experiences with us. Your feedback inspires us to continually improve and strive to provide the very best care. If you or someone you care about is looking for support, visit our website for further information and helpful resources.

Did you know that anxiety can show up in your body just as much as it does in your mind? Stress and worry might be common, but anxiety often involves deeper physical symptoms like a rise in tension throughout your muscles, shallow breathing and a faster heart rate. In the first of a new video series, Dr Andrea Pickering breaks down the connection between anxiety and your body, helping you recognise when everyday stress may be turning into something more serious. Watch the full video here: https://bit.ly/3R7ckhU #Anxiety #ClinicalPartners #AnxietySupport #MentalHealthSupport

In recent years, awareness and diagnosis of ADHD have surged. A British Journal of Psychiatry study shows that effective treatment for ADHD not only improves symptoms but can also extend lifespan and enhance overall quality of life. As demand for treatment rises, prescriptions for ADHD medication have increased sharply. Medication can be life-changing and a recent Oxford University study names it as the most effective treatment for adult ADHD. However, the increase in prescriptions has also led to medication shortages, showing the importance of considering other approaches and understanding that medication isn’t the only answer. There are many reasons people may not take medication which can include personal preference, side effects and shortages. Several non-medication approaches can also help including building a regular exercise routine, maintaining a healthy diet, improving the way we sleep, regular mindfulness and considering adjustments to our home and work environments and routines. Psychological support, like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), may be particularly helpful if issues such as anxiety or low mood also exist. Some people also find that ADHD coaching which aims to tackle practical day-to-day challenges such as task prioritisation can be helpful. The key is recognising that ADHD is not a one-size-fits-all condition and that each person with ADHD requires a tailored, personalised approach to treatment. At Clinical Partners, we take a collaborative, holistic, and patient-centred approach to ADHD care. Our team of experts works closely with people to create bespoke, evidence-based treatment plans. Whether optimising medication management, considering psychological support, or offering advice and guidance in other areas of life, we ensure that every patient receives the care and support that is right for them. We would love to hear your experiences. If you have tried a combination of medication, lifestyle changes, or other interventions, what made the biggest difference for you? Let us know in the comments. If you would like to learn more about how we can help, visit https://lnkd.in/gws_ypV This post was developed by Consultant Psychiatrist and Head of Adult ADHD at Clinical Partners, Dr Angus McLellan.

For years, many people believed that autism was mostly a “male condition,” but countless autistic girls go undiagnosed because their traits can be less obvious. They often work tirelessly to fit in, mimicking social cues, practising ‘scripts’ for conversation and forcing themselves to appear at ease. These efforts can be so convincing that the depth of their struggle remains hidden. Beneath the surface, girls might experience intense special interests that seem “normal” or “age-appropriate,” but in reality, they reflect a singular focus many might overlook. Subtle sensory issues, like disliking hugs or certain textures, can set them apart from their neurotypical peers. Because girls tend to be highly trusting, they can be more vulnerable to manipulation or risky situations as they age. Early recognition matters. Diagnosing autism in girls can reduce the risk of related mental health issues, including anxiety, depression or even eating disorders. When we help girls understand their unique traits and equip them with the right support, we create a path toward healthier self-esteem and more fulfilling relationships. Want to learn more about the signs you might be missing? Read our new blog post for deeper insights into what autism can look like in girls https://bit.ly/4kF5Moc #Autism #AutisticGirls #Neurodiversity #ClinicalPartners #AutismSupport #AutismAwareness

Ever wished you could sit down for coffee with your younger self and offer some hard-earned advice? Inspired by the poem “I Took My Younger Self for Coffee” by Jennae Cecelia, we recently asked four of the amazing women at Clinical Partners to reflect on the careers they have built and the lessons they have learned along the way. We celebrated International Women’s Day over the weekend, which felt like the perfect moment to spotlight their wisdom. From embracing new opportunities and trusting your gut to learning how to stand your ground, these stories offer insight into what it means to grow and thrive in your professional life. See what Paige, Katrina, Penni and Helen would tell themselves if they could go back in time, and let us know in the comments, what’s the one piece of career advice you’d give to your younger self? #InternationalWomensDay #IWD #ClinicalPartners

Have you ever felt like your worries just will not fade, even after the stressful moment has passed? It is not unusual to struggle with knowing whether you are dealing with short-term stress or something deeper, like anxiety. Stress is often tied to a specific challenge, like work deadlines or family issues, whereas anxiety can linger, sometimes for no clear reason and take a real toll on everyday life. In our latest blog post, we explore the differences between stress and anxiety, why it matters to understand each one and how proper support and treatment can make a huge difference. From quick lifestyle adjustments to professional therapies, there are ways to find relief and protect your mental well-being: 🔹Recognise key differences: Stress is typically short-lived and linked to a clear cause, while anxiety is persistent and can appear without warning. 🔹Practical coping ideas: Small changes like more regular exercise or better sleep routines can help with stress, whereas anxiety may require therapies like CBT or medication. 🔹Seeking help when it is time: If stress or anxiety is affecting your daily life, reach out to a mental health professional for tailored guidance. Our blog delves into these topics and more, offering insights from our clinical team’s extensive experience in mental health. If you are unsure whether you are experiencing stress or anxiety, or simply want fresh ideas on managing life’s pressures, take a look at the full article https://bit.ly/41FqI7d #MentalHealth #Stress #Anxiety #Wellbeing #ClinicalPartners

Behind every successful outcome stands a dedicated team making it happen. At Clinical Partners, our commitment to delivering life-changing care begins with our in-house triage team, a “gold standard” service led by assistant psychologists. Handling over 6,000 calls in a month, the team carefully assess each patient needs, gathering crucial information and making sure each person is matched with the right clinician at the right time. Triage calls often involve explaining what to expect from the next steps, so patients feel supported and less anxious about upcoming appointments. Using a robust system, our triage process ensures that we provide support tailored to the patient's specific needs, while facilitating the prompt signposting of individuals requiring urgent external care. This approach means adults can sometimes see a clinician as soon as the next day, while children and adolescents typically wait no more than three weeks. By combining a dedicated in-house triage process with our digital platform, we streamline the entire patient journey, equipping clinicians with the best possible information to deliver safe, effective care. Ultimately, our triage model is part of what enables Clinical Partners to maintain the highest standards of care for those navigating ADHD, autism or mental health challenges. Learn more about our team and services: https://bit.ly/3F3loSp #MentalHealth #Neurodiversity #ClinicalPartners #MentalHealthSupport

Trauma affects everyone, but for frontline workers, police, paramedics and emergency responders, the impact can be particularly severe. Facing aggression, violence and life-threatening situations daily, they are also the first to witness harrowing incidents such as serious accidents, self-inflicted harm and suicides. The Southport tragedy, where young lives were awfully lost, is a stark reminder of how trauma extends beyond victims to those who witness and respond to such events. Parents, bystanders and emergency teams all experience acute traumatic stress, which, if left unsupported, can develop into Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). At Clinical Partners, we have worked closely with communities affected by major incidents, including the Grenfell disaster, as well as directly supporting police officers who have been traumatised at work. Without the right intervention, trauma can lead to long-term psychological distress, burnout and even permanent absence from the workplace. Employers play a crucial role in Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM), early intervention strategies that can help reduce the long-term effects of trauma and provide essential mental health support for those on the frontline. 🔗 Find out more about how Clinical Partners supports trauma recovery: https://lnkd.in/d5JwdsR8 This post was developed by Adrian Williams, MEd, PGDip (Counselling & Psychotherapy), EMDR Therapist, RMN, V300 Independent Non-Medical Prescriber. #TraumaSupport #MentalHealth #PTSD #FirstResponders #ClinicalPartners