What Is a CICA Assessment—and How Can It Help You Move Forward After Trauma?
If you’re reading this, chances are you—or someone you care about—has been through something truly difficult. Perhaps it was a violent crime, or the long shadow of childhood abuse. It’s not unusual to feel lost in the maze of systems and processes that follow. One route to support that’s often overlooked is the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority, or CICA. But what does that actually mean, and how can a psychological assessment help?
Understanding CICA: More Than Just a Form
CICA is a government scheme that offers financial compensation to those who’ve suffered physical or psychological injury as a result of violent crime in England, Scotland, or Wales. But compensation is not just about money—it’s about recognition. It’s about being seen, heard, and acknowledged in your experience, especially when the invisible wounds of trauma still linger long after the event.
Why Does CICA Ask for a Psychological Assessment?
For many, trauma is written into the body and mind in ways that aren’t always visible. CICA knows this, which is why they frequently request a psychological assessment to support a claim for mental or emotional injury. This is where my work comes in.
A CICA psychological assessment is not something that can be carried out by just anyone. Only a qualified clinical psychologist or a psychiatrist is authorised to provide this kind of evaluation—not your GP, not a counsellor, and not another mental health professional. The reason? CICA wants an expert, evidence-based report from someone trained to understand the full complexity of psychological trauma and its effects on daily life.
What’s Involved in a CICA Psychological Assessment?
I believe that these assessments should be as gentle and humane as possible.
- You can choose whether you’d like to come into my central London office at 4 Devonshire Street or whether you would like to meet online.
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We start with a careful, sensitive conversation about your experiences and how they’ve affected you—not just ticking boxes, but truly listening. This first appointment lasts 90 minutes.
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I use standardised, research-backed questionnaires to help map out symptoms such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD. This second part of the assessment will be scheduled over a second 90-minute appointment. I may send you some forms in advance.
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Everything is confidential, and my focus is on dignity, safety, and clarity.
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I then write a comprehensive report, personally, never outsourced or passed to a trainee. The report details the psychological impact of the trauma and provides clear recommendations, in language that makes sense to both you and the CICA panel.
Why Choose Me for Your Assessment?
As a chartered clinical psychologist, I specialise in trauma and complex presentations—this is the heart of my practice. I am based in London’s Harley Street district and also offer assessments online for those further afield.
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My reports are thorough, compassionate, and accepted by CICA and solicitors across the UK.
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I offer a quick turnaround, and I’m always happy to answer questions before or after the assessment.
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Above all, I see each person as an individual, not a case number.
A Note on Who Qualifies
If you have suffered psychological harm—whether from childhood abuse, sexual assault, domestic violence, or witnessing a violent event—you may be eligible to make a claim. You can apply yourself, or through a solicitor, and you don’t need to have reported the crime immediately after it happened.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’re considering a CICA claim and need a psychological assessment, or if you simply want to understand more about the process, please get in touch. I am here to offer guidance, answer your questions, and support you through what can otherwise feel like a very clinical process.
You do not have to do this alone. Sometimes the first step towards healing is simply allowing yourself to be understood.
