Every year Scotland welcomes 74,000 international students. Moving to a new country is exciting but starting university or college can also present challenges, particularly if you have a mental health or neurodivergent condition. We can help you with the transition. Here are our answers to some of the most common questions we get asked by international students moving to the UK.

1. Are you currently accepting patients?

Absolutely! We do not have a waiting list and aim to see patients are within 2 weeks. We can also offer you a first appointment online before you arrive in the UK. This allows you to get to know us and discuss any questions you might have. We cannot legally take over your care before you arrive here but we can help get you set up with other services, review any previous documentation and make a plan for your move. This ensures you can hit the ground running.

2. Who will I see?

You will see a consultant psychiatrist. In the UK consultants are the most senior grade of doctor. They have years of experience managing patients’ care and leading medical teams. Consultants have completed medical and specialist training and are listed as specialists on the General Medical Council’s register.

Our consultants are Dr Alexandra Pittock and Dr Amy Martin. They have years of experience working closely with students and regularly provide teaching for the University of Edinburgh. Dr Pittock has also led projects supporting student mental health and wellbeing.

3. Can you use my previous documentation to take over my care and prescribing?

Yes. Prior to our first appointment with you, we will ask you to provide any assessments, letters or prescriptions you have from your previous clinician. We can also contact them directly, with your consent, to ensure a safe transition of care for you.

4. What will my first appointment be like?

You will be offered a 90-minute initial consultation with one of our consultants. During this appointment you will have time to talk to us about your concerns, any support you need and discuss your history. If this is your first appointment with a psychiatrist we have written a quick guide to put you at ease. We will make a treatment plan with you and provide prescriptions and referrals to other professionals, if required.

5. Are you able to prescribe medication commonly used in the US?

Many types of US medication are also licensed in the UK. We work with a private pharmacy company called Pharmacierge, who source and import specialist medication. This means we are usually able to provide you what you need. If we cannot prescribe the exact medication you take then we will discuss with you a UK-approved alternative and support you to transition safely.

6. I have ADHD – can you manage my medication?

Yes – we will ask you to provide documentation of your diagnosis and current prescription. At your first appointment we will check your BP and pulse. You will also need to be registered with a GP – we can help you find one in the NHS or recommend a private GP. We work closely with Edinburgh GP who are based nearby.

7. What are your fees for assessment, review and prescriptions?

Your first 90-minute appointment costs £650. After that you can see us for follow-up reviews – the frequency of these depends on you and your needs. Our standard follow-up appointment is 30 minutes long. This is £270. If you have multiple mental health conditions or are struggling we also offer longer 60-minute appointments, which cost £490. We do not charge for prescriptions provided at appointments but you can order additional prescription refills through our online form for £35.

All our fees are clearly displayed on our website.

8. How do I pay for private care? Do you accept international health insurance?

Payment is made online before your appointment. We do not work directly with insurers but we can provide you with a letter to claim costs back from your insurer.

9. Are there any other supports or recommendations you can provide?

Yes – we can provide you with a list of local support options in your area. We can also help you reach out to your university’s student support service, and provide letters requesting reasonable adjustments for exams or additional support. You can also discuss therapy with us and be referred to one of our trusted therapy providers.

It is important you have a GP (family medicine doctor) whilst you are in the UK to help manage your general health and any monitoring you may need. We can help you register with a GP, either NHS or private, and work closely with Edinburgh GP, who are based around the corner from us.

Dr Alexandra Pittock is a consultant psychiatrist, and co-founder of The Mind & Psychiatry Clinic. She is an honorary clinical senior lecturer at the University of Edinburgh and undergraduate education lead for St John’s Hospital. Dr Pittock provides private psychiatric services in Edinburgh and via secure video consultation across the UK.