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Can a psychotherapist diagnose?

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wrongun
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07 Jan 2016, 2:34 pm

I'm in the UK and about to have my first session with a psychotherapist (privately). She has sent me an AQ test (38/50) and an EQ test (17) to complete beforehand.
I'm wondering if she is qualified to diagnose me and would this diagnosis be accepted by my GP?

Thanks


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neilson_wheels
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07 Jan 2016, 2:38 pm

Why are you paying for an assessment when you don't know if she is qualified?

How did you get her contact details? If you go to the NHS website she should be listed.



wrongun
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07 Jan 2016, 2:41 pm

I'm not paying for an assessment, I'm just paying to talk through my problems and hopefully get some help.

My girlfriend put me in touch with her.


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neilson_wheels
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07 Jan 2016, 2:53 pm

Sorry. I don't think a Psychotherapist would be able to give a diagnosis, but I'm no expert. Best to ask her directly tomorrow.

It would normally be a Psychologist or a Psychiatrist with specific training that would perform an assessment and it's not a quick process.

I hope you get the help you are looking for.



kraftiekortie
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07 Jan 2016, 3:00 pm

In the UK, the GP would probably have to refer you to a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist. Both are qualified to diagnose autism.

You should ask this person whether a GP would accept the diagnosis. This is the reverse of the usual process of diagnosis, it seems to me.



wrongun
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07 Jan 2016, 3:17 pm

Thanks, that's what I thought. Just wanted to be sure.


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AspieUtah
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07 Jan 2016, 3:19 pm

Looking at the National Autism Society web site ( http://www.autism.org.uk/about/diagnosi ... olved.aspx ) in the United Kingdom, it describes the various roles each professional might perform including:

Quote:
Counsellor and psychotherapist

Counsellors and psychotherapists are able to talk through various issues with individuals and families. You can get counselling on the NHS through a GP referral. There are also many counsellors working in private practice. Visit the Autism Service Directory to find counsellors working privately.

It appears, then, that psychotherapists don't perform diagnostic assessments. But, I suspect that having a psychotherapist to verify and explain your characteristics to other clinicians would help the diagnostician you attend.

Good luck!


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Diagnosed in 2015 with ASD Level 1 by the University of Utah Health Care Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinic using the ADOS-2 Module 4 assessment instrument [11/30] -- Screened in 2014 with ASD by using the University of Cambridge Autism Research Centre AQ (Adult) [43/50]; EQ-60 for adults [11/80]; FQ [43/135]; SQ (Adult) [130/150] self-reported screening inventories -- Assessed since 1978 with an estimated IQ [≈145] by several clinicians -- Contact on WrongPlanet.net by private message (PM)


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07 Jan 2016, 3:40 pm

The usual route for NHS diagnosis is to discuss your issues with your GP. If they believe you may be on the spectrum (and GPs' knowledge of autism varies), they will refer you to a clinical psychologist in your area. This psychologist may work at a special autism unit. It's worth noting that adult diagnosis is not always done as effectively or promptly as that for children - but the situation is far better than in the past. In your case, the psychotherapist may be able to provide information to the psychologist.

If you are prepared to pay for a private diagnosis, then I think you just arrange this directly with a clinical psychologist. Be aware, however, that many statutory bodies (who may provide you with support) don't recognise an ASD diagnosis that was done privately. They require an NHS diagnosis.