What mental health services do you offer?

We offer a comprehensive range of mental health services, including diagnosis, treatment, and support for conditions such as ADHD, Autism and addictive behaviour, sleep and stress/burnout.

Do you offer support services for children?

Yes, we provide specialised support services for children, including assessments and interventions tailored to their developmental needs. Our team includes psychiatrists, coaches and therapists experienced in working with young people.

Do you treat/diagnose women differently to men?

Yes, we recognise that mental health conditions can present differently in women and men. Our assessments and treatment plans are tailored to consider these differences, ensuring that each individual receives personalised care based on their unique needs and symptoms. We have a female specific and sensitive approach for autism and ADHD assessment.

Can I have an online appointment?

Yes, we offer online appointments for those who prefer virtual consultations. Our telehealth services allow you to access our mental health professionals from the comfort of your home, ensuring convenience and accessibility.

What should I expect during my first visit?

During your first visit, you will undergo a comprehensive assessment with one of our mental health professionals. This session will involve discussing your symptoms, medical history, and any concerns you may have.

Are your services confidential?

Absolutely. We adhere to strict confidentiality policies to ensure your privacy and the security of your personal information. All sessions and records are kept confidential in accordance with legal and ethical guidelines.

We are based in Wilmslow and Manchester, but we offer services to clients from various locations through our online appointment system. Please visit our contact page for more details and directions to our office.

How quickly will I see results?

The time it takes to see results varies depending on the individual and the nature of their condition. Some people may notice improvements within a weeks, while others may require a longer-term approach. Our team will work with you to develop a treatment plan that aims for the best possible outcomes in a realistic timeframe.

How do I book an appointment?

Appointments can be booked through our website using our online booking system, or by calling our office directly. Our staff is available to assist you with scheduling and answer any questions you may have.

What are your office hours?

Our office hours are 0900 to 1700. We also offer evening and weekend appointments to accommodate different schedules. Please check our contact page for specific hours and availability.

Do you accept insurance?

Yes, we accept a variety of insurance plans. Please contact our office or visit our insurance information page to see if we accept your specific insurance provider.

What age groups do you serve?

We provide services for individuals of all ages, including children, adolescents, adults, and seniors. Our team is trained to address the unique mental health needs of each age group.

Is there parking available at your location?

Yes, we have ample parking available for our clients. Please refer to our contact page for detailed parking instructions and directions.

Do you offer bilingual or multilingual services?

Yes, we have staff members who are fluent in multiple languages. Please let us know if you require services in a specific language, and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.

What if I need to cancel or reschedule my appointment?

We understand that sometimes plans change. Please contact our office in advance to cancel or reschedule your appointment to avoid any cancellation fees.

What follow-up care do you provide?

Follow-up care is an essential part of our treatment process. Depending on your treatment plan, this may include regular reviews, medication management, or periodic assessments to monitor progress and adjust the treatment plan as necessary.

Can family members be involved in the treatment process?

Yes, involving family members can be beneficial, especially for children and adolescents. Family therapy sessions are available, and we encourage family involvement when appropriate to support the treatment process.

Do I have to tell my employer about my condition?

No, you are not legally required to disclose your condition to your employer. However, there are circumstances where sharing this information can be beneficial, such as when you need reasonable accommodations to perform your job effectively. Under the Equality Act 2010, you are entitled to adjustments that can help you work more efficiently. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons and consider your workplace environment before deciding to disclose.

Do I have to tell my GP about my condition?

While you are not required to disclose your condition to your employer or GP, doing so can provide significant benefits in terms of support, accommodations, and comprehensive healthcare. Carefully consider your individual circumstances, and if you decide to disclose, approach the conversation with preparation and confidence. If you need advice on how to proceed, consulting with a mental health professional or legal advisor can be helpful.

Who are Sanctum Healthcare?

Sanctum Healthcare is a specialised mental health service provider offering comprehensive assessments, diagnoses, and treatments for various mental health conditions. Our team consists of highly qualified professionals dedicated to providing personalised care to individuals of all ages.

Who does the assessment?

Assessments at Sanctum Healthcare are conducted by experienced specialists, including psychiatrists, psychologists and ADHD specialist clinicians, depending on the age and needs of the individual being assessed.

How soon can I get an appointment?

Appointment availability varies, but we strive to offer timely consultations. Please contact our office directly or check our online booking system for the most current availability.

What if I can’t get collateral information?

While collateral information is helpful, it is not always necessary. Our specialists can still conduct a thorough assessment based on available information and direct observation.

What will happen after the assessment?

After the assessment, our specialists will provide a detailed report with the diagnosis and recommended treatment plan. We will discuss the findings with you and outline the next steps, including any necessary follow-up appointments or referrals.

Can I / How can I contact my consultant outside of appointments?

You can contact your consultant through our office during business hours. For urgent matters, please use the contact information provided at your initial consultation. We strive to provide prompt responses to all queries.

Can I take my letter to my GP, and will they prescribe?

Yes, you can take the assessment report to your GP. We operate under a shared care approach, where your GP can take over prescribing medication after an initial period of monitoring and adjustment by our specialists. This shared care agreement ensures that you continue to receive the medication you need with the convenience of obtaining it through your GP. We have an 85% success rate in establishing shared care agreements with GPs, ensuring continuity of care and convenient access to medications.

I’m not resident in the United Kingdom – can you still see me?

Yes, we offer online consultations for international clients. Please contact our office to discuss how we can accommodate your needs.

Do you offer any discounts or payment plans?

Yes, we offer flexible payment plans and may provide discounts in certain circumstances. Please contact our office for more information on available options.

Will my diagnosis be recognised by schools/GPs?

Yes, our diagnoses are recognised by schools and GPs. We provide detailed reports that can be used to support educational accommodations and medical treatment plans.

Will my child be eligible for extra support at school?

A diagnosis from Sanctum Healthcare can help your child become eligible for extra support at school. This can include Individualised Education Plans or other accommodations to assist with their learning needs.

What if I’m diagnosed with something other than ADHD?

If you are diagnosed with a condition other than ADHD, we will provide a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your specific diagnosis. Our team is equipped to handle a wide range of mental health conditions.

How does ADHD affect learning and everyday life?

Underachievement: Despite having the intellectual capacity, individuals with ADHD might not reach their full potential in academics or their careers due to the challenges posed by their symptoms. Stressful Success: Even when individuals with ADHD do succeed, the journey can be fraught with stress, overexertion, and burnout due to the constant need to navigate and manage their symptoms. Latent Skills: Skills and talents may remain underdeveloped or unrecognized due to the overshadowing difficulties in attention and organisation.

Isn't ADHD just about naughty boys running around a classroom who can't concentrate?

ADHD affects multiple domains of an individual’s life, including relationships, career, self-esteem, and mental health Beyond academics, ADHD can affect every element of a person’s functioning, including time management, organisation, social interactions, and emotional regulation. Recognising that ADHD is not just about hyperactive behaviour or inattention is crucial for appropriate diagnosis and support. By understanding the diverse ways in which ADHD can manifest, including rejection sensitivity and addictive behaviours, society can better support individuals with ADHD to lead fulfilling lives. Rejection sensitivity is characterised by extreme emotional sensitivity and emotional pain associated with the perception of being rejected or criticised. This is common among individuals with ADHD and can significantly impact their self-esteem and interpersonal relationship. ADHD often co-exists with other conditions such as anxiety, depression, learning disorders, and more, making the diagnosis and management complex.

Do the assessments meet NICE guidance?

The Sanctum ADHD/Autism Assessment pathway is a comprehensive process which collates multiple sources of evidence, objective testing, a data driven approach, completed by a multidisciplinary team. We are proud to say our assessments for ADHD and ASD surpass the NICE guidance. The assessment and treatment protocol at Sanctum not only aligns with, but surpasses the NICE guidelines. Our assessment and treatment plans are held to the highest standards of professionalism and care, where all regulated activity is carried out by a specialist healthcare professional and overseen by a specialist GMC-registered consultant clinician within our CQC-registered facility.

Will the NHS accept this diagnosis?

We have a very high success rate in achieving shared care agreements with primary care.In some circumstances, it is pertinent for us to understand why the GP is reluctant to take on shared care. If they have no previous experience of working with an established provider like Sanctum, they may have concerns about quality of care or our approach. We are happy to provide any reassurance in this domain. It is important that media reports about private providers had painted a negative portrayal of the services available and this may be impacting the GP’s consideration towards agreeing SCA. Not all providers are the same and all sectors of healthcare have good and poorly performing providers. Any concerns or queries we can address on request. The GP may not have a good knowledge or experience of how debilitating ADHD is and how treatment is fundamental to good quality of life. We are happy to provide education to any primary care provider to address knowledge gaps, at no cost.

Will the NHS accept this diagnosis?

We have a very high success rate in achieving shared care agreements with primary care. In some circumstances, it is pertinent for us to understand why the GP is reluctant to take on shared care. If they have no previous experience of working with an established provider like Sanctum, they may have concerns about quality of care or our approach. We are happy to provide any reassurance in this domain. It is important that media reports about private providers had painted a negative portrayal of the services available and this may be impacting the GP’s consideration towards agreeing SCA. Not all providers are the same and all sectors of healthcare have good and poorly performing providers. Any concerns or queries we can address on request. The GP may not have a good knowledge or experience of how debilitating ADHD is and how treatment is fundamental to good quality of life. We are happy to provide education to any primary care provider to address knowledge gaps, at no cost.

Impact of ADHD on females across lifespan

Problems, features or conditions seen in females with ADHD

Co-occurring functional problems, associated features or conditions commonly seen in addition to ADHD symptoms in girls and women with ADHD, presented along with age-ranges for detection. These may serve as triggers to help to identify individuals who may require assessment for ADHD. Click on the tab to reveal which features are more prevalent at each age.

Age 5-11
Platinum
Age 12-15
Gold
Age 16-18
Platinum
Age 18+
Gold

Female ADHD	Age 5-11	Age 12-15	Age 16-18	Age 18+
Frequent Detentions
Academic difficulties
Poor attendance/Truancy
Failing to achieve true potential
Low self esteem in academic tasks
Educational exclusions/suspensions
Difficulty in educational transition
Problems with lateness and organisation
Drop out from education
Employment problems/Job loss

Age 5-11
Platinum
Age 12-15
Gold
Age 16-18
Platinum
Age 18+
Gold

Female ADHD	Age 5-11	Age 12-15	Age 16-18	Age 18+
Problems with relationships, conflict with parents and peers
Involvement in bullying/victimisation, cyberbullying (typically as victims)
Difficulty maintaining peer relationships
Relationship problems
Anxiety related to peer relations
Social rejection/isolation
Parenting problems, social services contact

Age 5-11
Platinum
Age 12-15
Gold
Age 16-18
Platinum
Age 18+
Gold

Female ADHD	Age 5-11	Age 12-15	Age 16-18	Age 18+
Regular tobacco and alcohol use
Substance Misuse (including alcohol)
Excessive computer game use: gaming, social media, internet
Gambling problems
Compulsive shopping

Age 5-11
Platinum
Age 12-15
Gold
Age 16-18
Platinum
Age 18+
Gold

Female ADHD	Age 5-11	Age 12-15	Age 16-18	Age 18+
Regular/excessive nicotine/alcohol use
Early sexualised behaviour
Risky sexual behaviour
Underage or unwanted pregnancy
Delinquent or criminal behaviour
Involvement in criminal justice system
Financial difficulties/debt- bad spending
Road traffic accidents

Age 5-11
Platinum
Age 12-15
Gold
Age 16-18
Platinum
Age 18+
Gold

Female ADHD	Age 5-11	Age 12-15	Age 16-18	Age 18+
Co-occuring developmental conditions (ASD, Dyslexia)
Obesity/disordered eating
Excessive computer game use: gaming, social media, internet
Self harm/suicidality
Internalising Conditions- Depression/Anxiety
Post natal depression
Treatment resistant depression
Fibromyalgia
Chronic fatigue syndrome
Personality disorder

Age 5-11
Platinum
Age 12-15
Gold
Age 16-18
Platinum
Age 18+
Gold

Female ADHD	Age 5-11	Age 12-15	Age 16-18	Age 18+
Enuresis
Nail biting
Repeated injuries
Sleep difficulties
Intellectual and learning difficulties
Executive function challenges
Extreme emotional meltdowns
Low self esteem
Difficulties with personal hygiene

WordPress	Elementor	Happy Addons
Stay Happy	Stay Safe	Spread Happiness

Patient Counselling for ADHD

Pharmacists are also available to provide patient counselling on a wide range of health and wellness topics. They can provide information on how to manage chronic conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, and can also offer advice on healthy lifestyle choices, such as diet and exercise.

If you would like to speak to Sanctum’s friendly team about obtaining an ADHD assessment or about ADHD treatment plans, please get in touch today!
Dr Raffi

ADHD Assessment

Unlock potential with our evidence-based ADHD assessments, tailored to optimise focus, behavioural change, and enhance personal growth.

ADHD Treatment

Comprehensive treatment plans focus on collaborative identified needs, driving effective results and improved well-being.

View All Treatments

We provide patients with safe effective services. Qualified doctors available fives days a week, view our timetable to make an appointment.

Dr. Raffi

Dr Asad Raffi is the Founder of Sanctum Healthcare, Medical Director and Lead Consultant Psychiatrist on the Specialist GMC register. As Medical Director Dr Raffi had over 20 years experience as a psychiatrist and brings a plethora of experience from the NHS and private sector.

Problems, features or conditions seen in females with ADHD

Patient Counselling for ADHD

ADHD Assessment

ADHD Treatment

View All Treatments

Dr. Raffi

Regulated by

RECENT BLOGS

The Spell of Stigma: ADHD Traits and the Misjudged Witches of Wicked

The Link Between ADHD & Compulsive/Impulsive Buying

ADHD and Sleep

Elite sport and female ADHD- Simone Biles

Impact of ADHD on females across lifespan

PAGES

SERVICES