Telepsychiatrist.co.uk explains what psychiatrists who work by video actually do, how to check one is properly registered, how care fits together in each UK nation, and how to get the most from a first appointment.
Who it is for
Adults in the UK who are thinking about seeing a psychiatrist online, and the people who help them decide. It is not written for children or young people, and it is not a service for emergencies.
Who runs it
This website is run by the owners of Happy Clinic, a private online psychiatry service for adults aged 18 and over. The site itself provides no clinical services and takes no bookings. Consultations mentioned here are provided by Happy Clinic, which is regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
Being open about that connection matters. The guides are written to be useful whether or not you ever book anything, and they point to NHS routes and other organisations wherever those fit your situation better.
How the guides are written
- Facts come from UK sources such as the NHS, the General Medical Council, NICE and GOV.UK. Each page lists what it used.
- Every page shows when it was last updated. Health guidance and fees change, so check the original source for anything that affects a decision.
- Nothing on the site is a personal recommendation. Where a question depends on your own health, the guides say to ask a doctor.
What this site does not do
It does not diagnose, treat or prescribe, and it is not an emergency or crisis service. If a life is at risk, call 999 or go to A&E. For urgent mental health help, call NHS 111 or Samaritans on 116 123 at any hour.
Contacting Happy Clinic
Questions about appointments or fees go to Happy Clinic, not to this site: +44 (0)330 133 0855, support@happyclinic.co.uk, open 11am to 7pm Monday to Friday. Its fees and consultant psychiatrists are listed on its own website.