Specialist Psychological Assessment Clinic
Private assessments and reports for PTSD, C-PTSD, CICA, AFCS and complex diagnostic questions.
I devote a significant amount of my practice time to specialist psychological assessment and report writing. This work is separate from, but informed by, my wider clinical practice in trauma, psychotherapy, EMDR, neurodivergence and complex psychological presentations.
I provide selected private psychological assessments and reports for adults seeking diagnostic clarity, formal documentation, compensation-related evidence, treatment recommendations or a more careful understanding of complex psychological difficulties.
Assessments are conducted by Dr C. Comfort Shields, HCPC-registered Clinical Psychologist, Chartered Psychologist, in person at 4 Devonshire Street in the Harley Street Medical District or online where clinically appropriate.
A Private, Specialist Assessment Service
Psychological assessment is not simply a matter of completing questionnaires. A good assessment brings together clinical interview, diagnostic knowledge, psychometric measures, developmental and trauma history, functional impact, differential diagnosis and careful professional formulation.
My assessment work is designed for individuals and referrers who need more than a brief screening result: a thoughtful, clinically defensible opinion that can clarify diagnosis, treatment needs, prognosis and next steps.
Assessment Services
PTSD Diagnostic Assessment
Specialist PTSD assessment for adults affected by trauma, including structured clinical interview, psychometric measures and diagnostic formulation.
C-PTSD Diagnostic Assessment
Assessment for ICD-11 Complex PTSD, especially where trauma has been prolonged, repeated, relational, developmental or difficult to summarise.
CICA Psychological Reports
Independent psychological reports for CICA claims, reviews and appeals involving PTSD, C-PTSD, trauma-related mental injury and functional impairment.
AFCS Psychological Reports
Psychological assessments and reports for AFCS claims, reconsiderations and appeals involving service-related trauma, PTSD, C-PTSD and moral injury.
ADHD and Differential Assessment
Private assessment for adults exploring ADHD, neurodivergence, trauma, anxiety, depression or complex overlapping presentations.
Complex Diagnostic Questions
Selected complex assessments where trauma, neurodivergence, mood, anxiety, personality, dissociation or relational patterns require careful differential formulation.
Why This Clinic Is Different
This is a clinician-led assessment clinic, not a high-volume screening service. Assessments are undertaken personally and selectively, with attention to diagnostic complexity, clinical history, trauma context, functional impairment and the meaning of symptoms within a person’s life.
- Assessment by a HCPC-registered Clinical Psychologist and Chartered Psychologist
- Specialist experience in trauma, PTSD, C-PTSD, EMDR and complex psychological presentations
- Structured clinical interview and diagnostic formulation
- Validated psychometric measures where clinically appropriate
- CAPS-5 assessment for PTSD where clinically indicated
- International Trauma Interview, or ITI, for ICD-11 PTSD and C-PTSD where clinically indicated
- Consideration of functional impairment, prognosis and treatment needs
- Clear written reports for private, therapeutic, diagnostic, occupational, compensation or formal documentation purposes
When an Assessment May Be Helpful
A psychological assessment may be helpful when symptoms have become difficult to understand, when previous explanations have felt incomplete, or when a clear written opinion is needed for treatment planning, diagnostic clarification, insurance, employment, compensation, CICA, AFCS or another formal purpose.
People often seek assessment when they are trying to understand whether their difficulties are related to PTSD, Complex PTSD, ADHD, anxiety, depression, burnout, dissociation, grief, personality patterns, relational trauma or a combination of several overlapping factors.
The aim is not to reduce a person to a diagnosis, but to arrive at a careful formulation that can support clearer decisions about treatment, support, documentation and next steps.
Assessment Process
- Initial enquiry
Please send a brief outline of what you are seeking, including whether the assessment is for personal, therapeutic, diagnostic, compensation, insurance, occupational or formal documentation purposes. - Review of suitability
I will consider whether the assessment falls within my area of expertise and whether the requested report is clinically appropriate. - Questionnaires and documentation
Relevant questionnaires may be sent in advance. Where appropriate, records, decision letters or previous reports may also be reviewed within the agreed scope. - Clinical assessment
The assessment is usually conducted in person at 4 Devonshire Street in the Harley Street Medical District or online by Zoom where clinically appropriate. - Written report
A written report is prepared after the assessment, integrating clinical interview, psychometric findings, diagnostic formulation, functional impact and recommendations.
Location and Online Assessment
In-person assessments take place at 4 Devonshire Street in the Harley Street Medical District, Central London. Online assessments are also available where clinically appropriate, particularly for clients elsewhere in the UK or internationally.
The clinic is private, discreet and appointment-only. Assessment enquiries are considered carefully so that the scope of work is clear before an appointment is arranged.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kinds of assessments do you provide?
I provide selected private psychological assessments and reports for PTSD, C-PTSD, CICA, AFCS, ADHD and complex diagnostic questions. Some assessments are for personal clarity or treatment planning; others are for formal documentation, compensation, insurance, occupational or referral purposes.
Is this the same as therapy?
No. Assessment is a separate clinical process designed to clarify diagnosis, formulation, functional impact, treatment needs and recommendations. Some people later choose to begin therapy, but assessment and therapy have different purposes.
Can I request a report for CICA or AFCS?
Yes. I provide selected CICA and AFCS psychological reports where the clinical question falls within my area of expertise. Please include whether the matter is an initial claim, review, reconsideration or appeal, and whether there is any relevant deadline.
Can assessments take place online?
Many assessments can be completed online where clinically appropriate. Some clients prefer to attend in person at 4 Devonshire Street in the Harley Street Medical District.
Do you work with solicitors and referrers?
I accept selected referrals and instructions where a clinical psychologist’s assessment or report is appropriate. I do not provide court attendance or oral evidence.
Making an Assessment Enquiry
To enquire about a private psychological assessment or report, please contact:
assistant@comfortshieldspractice.com
Please include, where possible:
- the type of assessment or report you are seeking;
- whether the assessment is for personal, therapeutic, diagnostic, compensation, insurance, occupational or formal documentation purposes;
- whether there is a relevant deadline;
- whether you are enquiring personally, through a solicitor, or as a referrer;
- whether PTSD, C-PTSD, ADHD or another diagnosis has already been suggested;
- whether any previous reports, records or decision letters are available.
All enquiries are handled personally and in strict confidence.
