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Private Psychiatry for Depression

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Outpatient Psychiatry for Depression

Dr Peter McCann’s outpatient Psychiatry Service offers accessible, expert private treatment for depression and mental health support. He provides diagnostic assessments, tailored therapy, and medication management and offers both online and in-person appointments.

You can access our services if you:

  • Are privately funding your appointment
  • Have a referral from your healthcare insurance provider

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Depression Diagnosis

During your assessment, Dr McCann will:
  • Discuss your symptoms –  Together, you will explore the nature, frequency, and impact of your symptoms and discuss any persistent low mood, fatigue, sleep disturbances, changes in appetite or difficulty concentrating.
  • Review your medical history – Understanding your personal and family medical history helps identify any potential risk factors and any past experiences with mental health treatment.
  • Evaluate contributing factors – Dr McCann will assess your life circumstances, stressors, underlying issues, or other experiences that may be contributing factors to your mental health.
  • Use evidence-based diagnostic criteria – Your assessment is based on established professional guidelines, such as those from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders).
  • Identify co-existing conditions – Depression often occurs alongside anxiety disorders, PTSD, or other mental health problems, which will be taken into account when planning your depression treatment.

We do not currently treat children or young people under 16.

 Signs and Symptoms of Depression

Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions, affecting how you feel, think, and cope with daily life. Unlike occasional low moods that many people experience, clinical depression, also called major depressive disorder, is more persistent and can have a serious impact on your overall well-being. Through private psychiatry for depression, people often seek timely support to understand their symptoms and access tailored treatment. You may be experiencing depression if you’ve noticed any of the following signs lasting for more than a few weeks:

Psychological symptoms of depression:
  • Persistent sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness
  • Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
  • Low motivation or difficulty concentrating
  • Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or low self-esteem
  • Thoughts of death or self-harm

Depression can range from mild depression to severe depression, and in some more serious cases, may include psychotic depression or be part of manic depression (bipolar disorder). It often occurs alongside other mental health conditions, such as anxiety.

Physical symptoms of depression:
  • Fatigue or low energy
  • Sleep problems (insomnia or oversleeping)
  • Changes in appetite or weight
  • Unexplained aches and pains
  • Reduced sex drive

Recognising the symptoms and whether or not they are problematic to you is the first step towards getting treatment for depression. With the right support, most people can overcome depression and prevent future depressive episodes.

The Benefits of  Psychiatry for Depression

Seeing a psychiatrist is an important step in treating depression, especially when the symptoms are moderate to severe or if they haven’t improved with other forms of help. Dr Peter McCann offers private psychiatry for depression that helps treat your concerns in a safe and supportive environment. Treatment is tailored to each individual’s unique needs.

Here’s how psychiatry for depression can help:

  • Comprehensive assessment – By reviewing your medical history, exploring possible underlying causes, and checking for related conditions like anxiety or bipolar disorder, Dr McCann will ensure that nothing important is overlooked and that your treatment starts on the right track.

  • Personalised treatment plan – Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, your care is tailored to your symptoms, so you receive the right balance of therapy, medication, and lifestyle guidance to support your recovery.

  • Medication management – If antidepressants such as SSRIs are recommended, Dr McCann will prescribe and carefully monitor them, helping you find the most effective option to support your treatment.

  • Psychological therapies – Access to therapies such as CBT, interpersonal therapy, or group sessions can help you challenge unhelpful thought patterns, develop healthier coping strategies, and feel more in control of your mental health.

  • Ongoing support – With regular reviews and adjustments, your psychiatrist ensures your treatment continues to meet your needs, even in cases of treatment-resistant depression, giving you consistent guidance throughout your recovery journey.

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Whether you’re struggling with mild depression or facing something more complex, Dr McCann is here to guide you with evidence-based and effective depression treatment options to reduce your symptoms, improve your mood, and enhance your overall well-being.

He provides expert support for individuals experiencing depression symptoms or who have depressive disorders. From diagnosis to ongoing mental health care, he offers a range of services to help individuals better understand their needs and access the right support. Alongside your diagnosis, treatment, medication management, and ongoing support, Dr McCann can help you with:

  • Referrals to Specialists – He can connect individuals with psychologists, occupational therapists, and other healthcare professionals for ongoing additional support post-treatment.
  • Professional Reports – He can provide reports for schools, workplaces, and healthcare providers to help support any adjustments that may be required to support you in your daily life.
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Personalised & Compassionate Care

He believes that every person who walks through our doors should feel valued, respected, and be treated with the utmost care. He understands that depression and depressive disorders are unique to each person, which is why his treatments are personalised to address individual needs.

Specialist Dual Diagnosis Depression Treatment

With expertise in dual diagnosis treatment, Dr McCann addresses both depression and any co-occurring mental health conditions such as anxiety, autism, or PTSD. From psychiatric care to therapeutic interventions, Dr McCann works with you to ensure every aspect of your well-being is supported for a holistic approach to your treatment.

Quick Access to Support with No Waiting Times

Dr McCann understands the importance of being able to access treatment quickly. That’s why he offers rapid assessments with minimal waiting time. Patients can access immediate support from an expert team, ensuring a swift path to diagnosis and depression treatment.

Our Consultant Psychiatrist

Dr Peter McCann, MBBS, MSc, MRCPsych, is the Consultant Psychiatrist and Medical Director of Castle Craig. He specialises in treating all psychiatric conditions, alongside his work at Castle Craig, helping people who suffer from addiction. He has experience in treatment both in the United States and the United Kingdom.

He is on the GMC Specialist Register for General Psychiatry in the U.K. and is also U.S. Board-certified in both General Psychiatry and Internal Medicine. He is BUPA Registered.

 

Private Medical Insurance

He is covered by the following private medical insurers:

  • BUPA
  • AXA HEALTH
  • AVIVA
  • Allianz
  • WPA
  • Vitality

If you have private medical insurance but do not see your insurer here, we encourage you to give them a call and ask if they would cover your private treatment for depression here.

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Book your first appointment.

Contact our team to find out more information regarding private medical insurance. Our team is on hand to answer questions and help with anything you may need to provide to your insurer.

Our Location

We provide flexible appointment options personally tailored to your needs. You can choose to see us in person at our private clinic on Dundas Street in Edinburgh or at our clinic near West Linton in the Scottish Borders, or you can connect online from anywhere in the UK. Whichever option you prefer, you will receive professional, compassionate, and evidence-based care throughout your treatment journey.

Our team is committed to guiding you at every stage, delivering care that reflects your personal circumstances. We are here to support you or your loved one in managing depression, with a focus on improving mental health, emotional well-being, and achieving lasting recovery.

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How to Get Started

If you feel you are struggling with a mental illness or mental health challenges you can begin by self-referring through a phone call or email

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If you're unsure about what support you need or if you have any concerns, we're more than happy to assist you. Whether you’re looking for more information about the services, the types of treatments available, or simply need someone to talk to, don’t hesitate to get in touch.