Frequently Asked Questions

Who are Evolve Psychology Services?

We are an independent psychology and neurodevelopmental practice based in Harrogate but working all over the country.

We work with families, adults and young people, schools and businesses providing independent psychological assessments, therapy and training.

We also provide Clinical / Forensic psychological expert witness assessments and reports for the parole boards, courts, prisons, immigration tribunals and legal teams.

We base our practice in empirical research, ensuring that all assessments, clinical decision making and treatment planning is supported by the latest research.

We utilise structured and evidenced-based assessments that allow for the assessment, case formulation and treatment planning for clients across the age ranges and for a variety of services.

We are dedicated to offering clear and focused assessments for clients presenting with complex needs, providing clear guidance for treatment to ensure that they receive the best and most appropriate service.

What services do Evolve offer families, young adults and individuals ?

• Autism Spectrum Disorder Assessments and Management
• ADHD Diagnosis and Management
• Developmental Delay, Cognitive and Learning Assessments
• Children with Behavioural and Emotional Difficulties
• Child and adult psychological therapies
• Child and adolescent psychiatry

What services do Evolve offer in the area of Criminal Law / Prison Law ?

Dr Powling and associates of Evolve focus upon the clinical/ psychological presentation of the client, which incorporates all aspects of their functioning, in addition to their risk.
As such, we endeavour to ensure that all clients receive a holistic and integrated assessment that identifies all aspects of their needs, so that mental health/ personality/ neuropsychology assessments can be functionally linked to risk issues identified or any needs that the courts need to be aware of.

We also consider it important for a client to receive a report that, although highlighting risk issues, is fair, evidence-based and structured. The report should also focus upon protective factors and strengths, in addition to things that the client might need to work upon. Assessments are detailed and fully address each aspect of the instructing statements.

The focus of the assessment may include:

• Risk assessments for violent, sexual, and fire-setting offenders of all levels of risk, both in prison and in the community
• DSPD services
• DSPD assessments
• CSC assessments
• On-going treatment planning
• Fitness to plead
• Fitness to stand trial
• Pre- sentencing assessments
• Pre- trial assessments
• Pre-Tariff Assessments
• Personality Disorder Assessments,
• PCL-R assessments
• Assessments for Learning Disabilities
• Traumatic Brain Injury
• Category A reviews
• Parole board assessments
• Neuropsychology
• Neuro-developmental problems e.g. assessments for Autistic Spectrum Conditions
• Capacity assessments
• Mental Health assessments such as PTSD, depression etc
• Assessments for young offenders.

What services do Evolve offer in the area of Family Court Expert Witness work?

Evolve Psychology also offers assessments of parents and children in the context of Care Proceedings. Dr Powling works clinically in Child and Adolescent Mental Health and Looked After Children’s Services.

Areas covered in assessments typically include:

Parents

• Parenting capacity including forensic risk assessments
• Mental health issues
• Adult Attachment
• Impact of histories of abuse (physical, sexual, emotional) on parenting
• Impact of drugs/alcohol/domestic violence on parenting
• Family dynamics
• Ability to protect
• Ability to work with professionals
• Cognitive assessment
• Therapeutic needs and signposting to relevant services

Children

• Attachment
• Impact of trauma, abuse & neglect on development
• Mental health issues
• Sibling assessments
• Cognitive assessment
• Autism Assessments
• Placement planning
• Contact issues and needs
• Therapeutic needs and signposting to relevant services

Does Evolve offer assessments in immigration cases?

We accept referrals directly from solicitors as well as individuals who may wish to seek a private and independent assessment. We accept both legal aid and privately funded cases.

Areas of assessment might include:

• Risk Assessments for individuals charged or convicted of criminal offences
• Neuropsychology
• Neuro-developmental problems e.g. Assessments for Autistic Spectrum Conditions and ADHD
• Capacity assessments
• Learning Disability Assessments
• Mental Health assessments such as PTSD, depression etc
• Attachment
• Impact of trauma, abuse & neglect on development and emotional wellbeing
• Mental health issues
• Sibling assessments in the case of proposed separation
• Cognitive assessment
• Autism Assessments
• Placement planning
• Contact issues and needs, including the impact of separation
• Therapeutic needs and signposting to relevant services

Who are the Clinical and Forensic team at Evolve?

Our team of experts are our greatest asset and you can find out more about us here (link to website)

Our team includes:

• Clinical Psychologists
• Forensic Psychologists
• Speech & Language Therapists
• Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists

Dr Powling and Associates of Evolve continue to work clinically to ensure that they are actively practising in their fields of expertise and to ensure that they are kept abreast of leading evidence-based practices.

Why should I choose Evolve Psychology Services for support managing emotional difficulties?

When you or someone you care about is experiencing emotional difficulties, it can be difficult to understand what kind of help you need and distressing when you have to wait for long periods.

Our team provide a welcoming and relaxed environment offering the right therapy, support and assessment at the right time. We aim to offer initial appointments within 1-2 weeks of the initial enquiry and have continued to support clients through lockdown offering psychological support remotely using video platforms or the telephone.

We are able to take referrals from individuals/ families directly, as well as those covered by medical insurance.

Within the emotional wellbeing team, as registered Clinical Psychologists, we offer specialist psychological therapy to adults, adolescents, younger children and families experiencing psychological/emotional/behavioural difficulties. We aim to help people and families understand the difficulties they are experiencing and how to begin making changes. As no two people or families are the same, we offer a range of therapeutic approaches and tailor therapy to meet the unique needs of the individual.

Where is Evolve based?

We are based in Harrogate but work all over the country.

Our relaxed and friendly clinical rooms are located at:

1 Hornbeam Square South
Hornbeam Business Park
Harrogate
HG2 8NB

What is Psychological Therapy?

We have over 10 years’ experience of delivering psychological therapy in the NHS and in independent practice. To understand more about Clinical Psychology please read more here.

We offer specialist assessment and treatment for adults, children and families who are experiencing a range of difficulties or issues. Our areas of expertise are:

• Anxiety disorders
• Depression
• Managing difficulties associated with neurodevelopmental difficulties such as Autism
• Spectrum Conditions and ADHD
• Eating disorders
• Behavioural difficulties
• Trauma

We are also able to help with a range of other issues such as stress, phobias, low self-esteem, postnatal depression and bereavement and loss.
If you would like to discuss a particular issue not listed, please contact us to see if we may be able to help.

No two people, families or their experiences are the same and we don’t follow a one-size-fits-all approach. We work with individuals and families using one or more approach(es) that fit their unique needs and goals.

Clinical Psychologists are skilled in identifying which treatments/therapies are likely to be helpful based on a psychological understanding of the difficulty/issue we are focussing on. This is based on scientific research.

We are trained in a range of therapies and often draw upon Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Compassion Focussed Therapy (CFT), Systemic Therapies and Narrative Therapy among others.

Any therapy suggested will be explained in more detail during the assessment stage and agreed together.

What happens in a therapy session with Evolve?

Therapy appointments usually last between 50-60 minutes. The appointment will be a form of talking therapy and can be weekly, fortnightly or monthly depending on the agreed treatment plan. The exact nature of the therapy will depend upon the outcome of the assessment appointment.

We will also review progress regularly. Should we reach the end of an agreed number of sessions and more are required, or you feel you need a different approach, we can review and reformulate a new plan together. In some cases, we may suggest referring you on to another professional either in addition to, or in place of, our sessions.

Older children/adolescents are normally seen on their own, although we may provide some feedback to parents. The frequency of this feedback can vary between families and is something that we will discuss with you. We also offer sessions for parents for young people of all ages if this is agreed by the family.

Younger children often benefit from us working with parents rather than directly with the child. If this is felt to be the most appropriate pathway for you as a family, then your psychologist will discuss it with you. Please be assured for young people seen alone, that if there are any safety concerns these will be shared with the family, your GP and any other relevant adults.

You are able to stop therapy at any time and you are not required to give a reason. However, sometimes talking about the ending if you choose to stop therapy can be helpful for some clients to enable us to think together about how best to support you during that ending, or to provide information about other services that might be of benefit if appropriate.

Full details of confidentiality, data protection and terms and conditions are provided prior to the initial assessment.

What is a clinical assessment?

We are committed to undertaking comprehensive clinical psychological assessments across a range of client groups and services spanning the entire age range. We provide high quality, structured, evidence- based assessments and interventions providing detailed conclusions and case formulations linked to treatment planning

What is an assessment screening?

Initial appointments are available separately as a single appointment, or as part of a complete assessment within the neurodevelopmental pathway.

These appointments may last up to 90 minutes, depending on the needs of the individual/ family. Screening may involve some or all of the following

• Discussing reasons for the assessment
• Talking through the assessment processes
• Discussing possible outcomes from the assessment
• Gaining an understanding of the child/ adult’s presenting difficulties,
• Discussing the advantages and disadvantages of assessment and/ or diagnosis
• Completion of screening questionnaires
• Consideration of the most appropriate assessments to be undertaken by the team

What is a specialist neurodevelopmental assessment?

Evolve’s Neurodevelopmental Specialists assess children, young people and adults with complex presentations.

Assessments include:

• Autistic Spectrum Conditions (ASC- also known as Autism Spectrum Disorder),
• ADHD
• Learning difficulties/ disability, including exploration and understanding of carer/child relationship difficulties.

What can I expect from an assessment with Evolve?

The initial appointment is an assessment session and is between 60 and 90 minutes.

During this appointment, you will be asked to describe the difficulties you are experiencing. We will discuss the issues affecting you/ your family or your child at the current time, together with any relevant background information/history. You will be asked about a number of different areas of your life but there is no obligation to talk about anything you are not comfortable with.

Once we have discussed the issues in more depth, we can develop a joint understanding and discuss then plan the next steps including a treatment plan.

For assessments for young people, adolescents may decide to attend this assessment alone, or with someone e.g. a parent to support them.

We always advise that a parent/ guardian is present for assessments for younger children.

For adults, we will discuss in advance if you would like to bring someone with you to the assessment. Some adults choose to bring a partner, friend, or close relative.

Once we have discussed our recommended plan, you can decide if you would like another appointment. For some clients, an assessment can be a one-off appointment in order to help them understand their difficulties and/or gain a professional opinion. Others may choose to proceed to therapy.

There is no obligation to have further sessions and you do not have to decide during the assessment appointment.

A written summary of your assessment (sometimes called an assessment report), including the treatment plan, will be provided to you via email or post .
With your consent, we will also send a copy to your GP and any other services that you might be involved in whom you would like to have a copy. This will be provided whether or not you choose to book a further appointment. We do not share information without your consent, unless we are concerned about your own or someone else’s safety. However, if we were to be concerned, we would always talk to you about it first.

If you choose to proceed with therapy, you will have an opportunity to change your mind. You are free to cancel the next appointment and any further input without needing to give an explanation. We do not charge for appointments cancelled with more than 48 hours’ notice.

How much does an assessment cost?

No two people are the same and we don’t follow a one-size-fits-all approach. We work with individuals and families using one or more approach(es) that fit their unique needs and goals.

Please speak to us for more information and to discuss the costs for our services as we build services around their specific needs.

What is Autism / ASD ?

Autistic Spectrum Conditions is known as Autism Spectrum Disorder or ASD.

It is a lifelong neuro-developmental conditions characterised by difficulties with social interaction, social communication and restricted patterns of interest, behaviour or activities.

There may also be hypo or hyperactivity to sensory input or unusual interests in sensory aspects of the environment.

It is a developmental disorder that affects how a person communicates with and relates to other people and how they experience the world around them.

Some people who are diagnosed may have additional learning difficulties or neurodevelopmental difficulties.

What is an Autism assessment?

Our comprehensive multidisciplinary assessment is undertaken in accordance with the National Autism Plan for Children and follows guidelines set out by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (N.I.C.E) for children, young people and adults.

• A full developmental assessment
  This focuses on developmental and behavioural features (consistent with DSM-5 criteria).
  For example:
      What you are good at
      What do you find difficult
      Concerns or worries you or your parents have
      Behaviour at home, at school and in other situations
      How you talk to and get on with other people.
      Physical or mental health problems you might have, including doing some health checks
      Full history of what has affected you as you grew and developed
• Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2),
  School observation which includes assessment of social communication skills & behaviours (0-19 service).
• Speech and language assessment to gain a thorough understanding of the individual’s needs.
• The team also gives consideration of differential diagnosis. The assessment will gain an understanding of the individual’s strengths and difficulties across contexts.

Who is involved in an Autism assessment?

Clinicians involved may include:

• Consultant Psychiatrist
• Clinical Psychologist
• Speech and Language Therapist
• Senior Mental Health Practitioner
• Assistant Psychologist (who may undertake some observation or information gathering).

What is a cognitive assessment for learning difficulties?

A learning disability is a reduced intellectual ability and difficulty with everyday activities – for example household tasks, socialising or managing money – which affects someone for their whole life.

People with a learning disability tend to take longer to learn and may need support to develop new skills, understand complicated information and interact with other people.

The level of support someone needs depends on the individual. For example, someone with a mild learning disability may only need support with things like getting a job.

Someone with a severe or profound learning disability however may need full time care and support with every aspect of their life – they may also have physical disabilities.

People with certain specific conditions may also have a learning disability. For example, people with Down’s syndrome and some people with autism have a learning disability.

A learning disability can be mild, moderate or severe. Some people with a mild learning disability can talk easily and look after themselves, but take a bit longer than usual to learn new skills. Others may not be able to communicate at all and have more than one disability.
Evolve offers a stand-alone assessment, assessing the child, young person or adult’s overall cognitive ability, including verbal and visual processing, working memory and processing speed.

If we undertake a formal assessment for a learning disability, we also undertake an assessment of adaptive functioning, which looks at the individuals skills across a range of areas. This includes, Communication, Daily Living Skills, and Socialisation. These assessments will be undertaken by a Clinical Psychologist.

What is ADHD?

ADHD is a behavioural disorder that includes symptoms such as hyperactivity, impulsiveness and inattentiveness.

Often concerns relating to ADHD are noticed at an early age and may become more noticeable when a child or young person’s circumstances change, such as when they start school.

We have also assessed individuals who feel that difficulties have been missed and hope for clarification either in adolescence or adulthood. Children can be assessed from the age of 6. We can also assess adults who feel that they may be experiencing ADHD but have not been formally assessed.

The Assessment is undertaken by a Multi-disciplinary Team in line with the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (N.I.C.E) guidelines.

This involves:

• A full clinical and psychosocial assessment of the person including discussion about behaviour and symptoms in the different domains and settings of the person’s everyday life
• A full developmental and psychiatric history
• Observer reports and assessment of the person’s mental state (N.I.C.E, 2018 https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng87).
• School observation and questionnaires completed by school (for school age children)

We use QbCheck (the only CE marked and FDA approved for use as an aid in the assessment and treatment evaluation of ADHD for individuals aged 6 to 60 years old. QbCheck enables the provision of objective, unbiased information to clinicians, giving them a better assessment of ADHD).

If a diagnosis is made, the team will discuss appropriate recommendations to support the child, young person or adult. If this involves a consideration for medication we can arrange for you to see one of our Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists to discuss your options further.

How is ADHD managed?

If a diagnosis is made, the team will discuss appropriate recommendations to support the child, young person or adult.

If this involves a consideration for medication we can arrange for you to see one of our Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists to discuss your options further

What are the benefits of having an assessment ?

An assessment is undertaken to build a comprehensive understanding of the problem and needs of the child, of any parenting difficulties, or of the family system as a whole.

It may involve meeting with parents, seeing the child individually, and liaising with any other professionals involved with the child.

Assessment in itself can be beneficial to the understanding of a problem and may be all that is required. Alternatively, it can enable us to work collaboratively with families to formulate an appropriate treatment package.

Why should I use Evolve Psychology Services for an assessment? 

Our gold standard comprehensive multidisciplinary assessment is undertaken in accordance with the National Autism Plan for Children and follows guidelines set out by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (N.I.C.E) for children, young people and adults.

It includes a full developmental assessment focusing on developmental and behavioural features, Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2), an assessment of social communication skills & behaviours, and a speech and language assessment to gain a thorough understanding of the individual’s needs.

The team also gives consideration of differential diagnosis. The assessment will therefore gain an understanding of the individual’s strengths and difficulties across contexts.

Our waiting times are short and we work collaboratively with our Clients to formulate an appropriate treatment package.

How do I start the assessment or therapy process?

If you decide to make contact, we would have a conversation (by email or phone) about the difficulties you are experiencing and the type of help you are looking for. If we agree that we are able to help and you feel you would like an appointment, then we can arrange a suitable time. There is no obligation and you do not need to book in straight away.

We work alongside GPs and other services where appropriate, but no GP referral is required, and you can book directly with us via the contact us page, enquiries@evolveps.co.uk or phone 01423 637818.

Once you have made contact, if you wish to go ahead with an appointment, a referral form and consent forms will be sent to you for completion.

Depending on the pathway that is suitable for you, we would also explain the next steps and what to expect from assessment sessions and/ or future therapy appointments.

Does Evolve offer assessments and reports for legal practices?

We have excellent professional relationships with a number of leading legal practices nationwide and provide high quality assessments and reports.

• Prison law
• Children’s Act public and private law proceedings
• Criminal proceedings
• Immigration law
• Personal injury/ medical negligence claims?

We accept cases through Legal Aid Funding in addition to Privately Funded Cases.
We work to current guidelines in terms of timescales and costs.
For all legal enquiries, Dr Powling is available for consultation prior to instruction.

Do you offer mental health or trauma assessments following personal injury?

We accept direct referrals from solicitors, intermediary agencies and individuals to provide an assessment of the impact of personal injury and medical negligence on the client.

Evolve will provide diagnoses (using ICD-10 and/or DSM-V) and advise on the psychological impact on the individual, prognosis

Do you offer training and development courses?

We provide professional training and development for teams both locally and nationally.

We work with undergraduates and psychology professionals, schools, prison and legal services, private businesses and individual.
We deliver in person workshops, training events and online courses across a broad range of areas including;

• Working with people with mental health difficulties within occupational health
• Mental health awareness
• Autism Awareness
• Strategies for working positively with young people with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders
• Working positively with individuals with Personality Disorder
• Integrating Dialectical Behaviour Therapy into Clinical Psychology Practice
• Forensic Neuropsychology
• Clinical/ Case formulation
• Coping skills and crisis management skills for acute inpatient settings
• Training available also includes assessment of risk across areas of clinical/ forensic psychology and personality assessment
• Kaizen and Horizon- the new treatment programmes in Prison for men who have committed sexual offences and High Risk Offenders
• Differential Diagnosis: Autism, Personality Disorder and Psychopathy

Please contact us with your specific requests for individualised training packages and to discuss forthcoming training events.

Can I find out what other people think about Evolve’s services?

We are always interested to hear what our client’s experiences have been and how we can improve our range of services. We listen to our client’s feedback and have included some of them here for new clients to read.