Clinical Psychology

The clinical psychologist based in the Rosehill Clinic specialises in helping people with difficulties related to sexual health. The clinical psychologist does not offer input to people with general mental health difficulties that are unrelated to their sexual health. 

What can the clinical psychologist help with?

When people come to the clinic, they often tell staff about things that have been worrying them or difficulties that they are trying to cope with. After talking these problems over, the doctor, nurse or health adviser may suggest that the clinical psychologist might be able to help, and will make a referral for an assessment.

The types of problems that people are commonly referred to the clinical psychologist for help with include:

• Difficulty coping with the diagnosis of a sexual health problem, including taking medication
• Anxiety around disclosing a sexual health problem to others
• Sexual difficulties such as painful sex, erection problems, difficulties with arousal or desire, or difficulties relating to ejaculation. *Prior to attending our clinic, we advise attending your GP for relevant blood tests to rule out other causes for erection difficulties or low desire*
• Difficulty making lifestyle changes that relate to sexual health, such as having safer sex or reducing the frequency of masturbation
• Anxiety about contracting a sexually transmitted infection

Unfortunately some of our services are only available to those living in Sutton or South West London. If you live outside of these boroughs, such as in Surrey, the doctor, nurse or health adviser will signpost you to your local service.

 *Please note: we do not accept referrals from GPs or external services. You can only access the service by booking a routine appointment with a nurse, doctor, or health adviser. We occasionally accept referrals from other services at St Helier hospital, such as gynaecology, dermatology, and urology.

How might a clinical psychologist help?

Clinical psychologists are not medical doctors and do not prescribe drugs. The clinical psychologist will listen carefully to you and try to help you make sense of your difficulties.

There are no 'quick fixes' to the types of problems that people see clinical psychologists for. This can be disappointing. However, the clinical psychologist will be able to offer guidance and advice on ways for you to tackle the problems that you are having based on an individual formulation of your difficulties. The clinical psychologist is able to provide short term psychological therapy, including cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), psychosexual therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy and mindfulness based approaches. 

To get the most out of clinical psychology sessions you will be asked to take an active role. This means getting involved in planning the type of help that is offered and trying out different ways of doing things. For example, some people may be asked to practise activities such as regular relaxation exercises. Therapy can be time-consuming and demanding, so it is important you feel it is the right time for you to start treatment. The clinical psychologist can help you to explore this at your first appointment.

What will happen when I see a clinical psychologist?

The first one or two meetings are for assessment. This is for you and the clinical psychologist to talk about the problems you are having and how they affect you in a confidential and supportive environment. You and the clinical psychologist can then decide on the next step.

You may agree to meet for a number of sessions to work on the problems that you have identified. Sessions are usually arranged on a weekly or fortnightly basis and last for about 50 minutes. It is important that you are able to attend appointments regularly. You may be seen on your own, or if appropriate with a partner or family member. You can discuss this with the clinical psychologist.

The clinical psychologist will only offer you regular sessions if he or she believes that this is the most suitable option for you. Sometimes the clinical psychologist may suggest that another service may be able to better help you with the difficulties that you are having. The reasons for this will be fully discussed with you. The clinical psychologist can help organise referrals to other services, if needed.

How long will I have to wait?

Following your referral you will receive an opt-in text where you will be required to email or text to activate the referral and make an appointment.

It is likely that you will be offered an assessment appointment within a few weeks of your referral. If treatment at The Rosehill Clinic is agreed, you will be placed on a waiting list and will be contacted once you reach the top. Waiting times can vary, but you can expect to wait on average 16-20 weeks.