Referrals
Does HSR provide services for private individuals?
Yes, we accept self-referrals from young people, and referrals from parents and carers. Make a referral
Does HSR provide services for education settings?
Yes, we accept referrals from all types of education settings.
Who can make a referral?
We accept referrals from parents, carers, education professionals and health professionals. We also accept self-referrals from young people.
How can a referral be made?
Referrals can be made by emailing office@hsrpsychology.co.uk, filling out a referral or calling 0161 820 9229.
Are referrals confidential?
Yes, we treat all referrals confidentially. Please see here for more information about what you can expect from us in terms of confidentiality.
How do I know which psychologist I need to see?
Following a referral we will use that information to choose the most appropriate psychologist for your initial discussion. This psychologist will either be an educational psychologist, a clinical psychologist or a counselling psychologist.
What areas do HSR cover?
Although we are based in Manchester City Centre and can provide services across Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Lancashire, and Merseyside. We regularly work with children and young people in local authorities including; Blackburn with Darwen, Bolton, Bury, Cheshire East, Halton, Knowsley, Lancashire, Liverpool, Manchester, Oldham, Rochdale, Salford, Sefton, St Helens, Stockport, Tameside, Trafford, Warrington, Wigan, and the Wirral. We do work outside these areas but additional travel costs are charged. We also have individuals from outside the area that travel to us in Manchester when they require specific specialist assessments.
Services for education settings
What services do we provide to education settings?
We provide a broad range of services to education settings, including:
Are service level agreements (SLA) available for your psychology / counselling services?
Yes, we provide service level agreements as a cost effective option for all education settings requesting ongoing or repeated work. Read more about our:
Does HSR provide support and training for education settings?
How does HSR support staff in the school?
We support staff in schools through identifying needs, supporting their stresses and pressures in addition to encouraging general wellbeing. Specific ways we can help in relation to systemic issues include solution circles, training, consultations, positive psychology approaches and emotional support.
We can also help staff to understand children and young people’s needs, why recommendations have been made and how to implement them. Supporting staff to have a broader view and approaching children and young people in a holistic way can help manage the stresses of school life and help with the pressures of fulfilling the needs of a diverse classroom.
How does HSR support students in school?
There are many ways we support students in school, in general we support them through identifying and addressing their unique needs. Promoting strengths, advocating for them and providing a safe space to express and explore emotions are specific examples of how we support students in school. As professionals, we change our approach, including language, to match each individual and to help them to understand how we will help them. Overall we help to make life easier and maximise potential so each child and young person can be happy, safe and ready for life’s challenges.
Services for Parents and carers
Does HSR provide reports to diagnose specific conditions?
Following an assessment with us there is the option to receive a report summarising any identified needs we may find. If a diagnosis has been made then any report provided will include details of this. We do not provide reports without an assessment.
Does HSR diagnose Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia and Dyspraxia?
Yes we can. A diagnosis is unlikely to be possible following an individual assessment, as there often needs to be a cycle of intervention and then a post-intervention assessment. Our role is to correctly identify needs. In order to provide a thorough assessment and a formal diagnosis it is important that we follow a robust process to accurately diagnose and appropriately identify any needs which may be present.
Does HSR make schools provide further support for children?
As psychologists it is our duty is to identify any needs which a child or young person may have and assist in addressing these needs. If we have made a recommendation following an individual assessment then it is up to the school, and ultimately the local authority to ensure any recommendations to meet a child or young person's needs have been actioned. If we feel as though a specific type of support would benefit a child or young person then we would recommend it in a report.
Does HSR provide support for appeals and tribunals?
Yes, in general we would need to conduct our own assessment prior to supporting an appeal or providing information for a tribunal. Our comprehensive reports can be used in an appeals or tribunals process. Our brief reports will lack the required depth an appeal or tribunal is looking for. Find out more about the reports we provide. We can also attend appeals and tribunals following our input if required.
What’s the best way of explaining the role of a psychologist to a child?
The best way of explaining the role of a psychologist to a child is to be upfront and honest, and using language which they understand. We often tell children that we are there to understand what they’re really good at, and what might be a bit harder for them, as well as being there to help others to understand how to help’. Assessments are sometimes described as puzzles and games and a chat.
What is likely to happen when a child works with a psychologist from HSR?
Every time we meet with a child or young person we tailor the session to them. We might carry out an assessment which could include puzzles, questions, school work or a chat. If the child or young person has seen a professional before we might ask to see previous reports to help our understanding.
Could HSR help when someone is unsure of what is wrong?
Yes, we specialise in problem solving and investigating children and young people’s needs to get a holistic view so we can identify strengths and difficulties then work towards strategies and shared goals. We work in terms of ‘identifying and addressing needs’ rather than finding what is ‘wrong’ and labelling.
Can HSR help when an individual already has an EHC plan?
Of course we can. There may be times when needs arise which are not met by an existing EHC plan and need to be mentioned during a review. Another option is that we might fulfil some of the recommendations mentioned in an existing EHC plan.
Can HSR work with a child or young person who won’t be seen by the local authority?
Yes, we are an option that could be considered. Personal budgets make this more possible. We work in schools, homes and the community, and our services can be funded by education settings and personal budgets.
Can HSR help with children on young people at risk of exclusion?
We can work with children and young people at risk of exclusion to identify any needs they have, address those needs and provide them with support strategies.
What should parents/carers do if they are concerned about their child’s progress?
We are happy to discuss any concerns you may have about your child’s progress. We would advise that you speak with your child’s class teacher / SENCO and see what they advise, if your child is in an education setting. Prior to starting any work we would have an initial discussion with you to discuss any concerns.
What should parents/carers do if they think their child may have special educational needs?
If your child is in an education setting then the first person to talk to would be the school’s SENCO or your child’s class teacher. We also have a number of useful resources which may help, including the SEND code of practice (2015).
Do I need to come into sessions with my child?
This will be decided on a case by case basis, and discussed during the initial discussion.
If parents/carers don't want their child's school to be part of any assessment is this possible?
Yes, that would be possible. We can assess your child without the school's involvement. However, on most occasions it would be best to involve school.
Is a written report provided?
We recommend getting a report so you have written evidence of any assessment or intervention we provide. You can read more about our reports.
Services for young people
What kind of things can a psychologist help with?
Our psychologists help children and young people to be happy, safe and ready for life’s challenges. Learn more about specific conditions we can help with.
Can young people self-refer to HSR?
If you are over 16 years old and would like our help then of course you can. You can find out more about the services we offer, the conditions we usually help with and our prices by emailing us at office@hsrpsychology.co.uk or phoning us on 0161 820 9229.
Are any services at HSR free?
No, but our services can sometimes be funded through your education setting or a dedicated grant. Clinical psychology services on the NHS are provided free of charge. Your suitability for NHS psychology and the length you would be required to wait can be discussed with your GP. Your Local Authority will provide educational psychology services free of charge and can be accessed through the SENCO at your child’s school. Charities and local organisations may also provide some free services. For more information on charities and organisations go to our list of resources.
Does HSR provide Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) assessments?
Yes we do. Read about the DSA assessment we provide and who we work with in relation to the disabled students allowance (DSA).
What support can HSR provide for university students?
There are different areas of support we can provide for university students. Read about how we work with students at university.
What support can HSR provide for people in an apprenticeship?
We work directly with people in an apprenticeship and providers of apprenticeships. Read about how we work with apprenticeship settings and the apprenticeship support services we offer.
Other Services
Does HSR provide training?
Yes, we provide training to education settings, organisations and professionals. Read more about the training and CPD events we provide.
Does HSR provide clinical supervision?
Yes, we provide clinical supervision to a range of professionals. Read more about the supervision services we offer.
Does HSR provide medico-legal reports?
What is HSR's process?
Our process keeps children and young people at the centre of what we do while we help them to be happy, safe and ready for life’s challenges. Following a referral or an enquiry we would have an initial discussion, and then we will be able to provide more specific information in relation to the services we may provide and a timescale. Read more about our process.
Why is an initial discussion important?
Initial discussions are a way for us to take a holistic approach when considering our input as well as giving us time to listen to the individuals who know the child or young person best. Through fully understanding and agreeing shared expectations, our input will be maximised. Read more about why an initial discussion is important.
What conditions does HSR work with?
We work with a broad range of conditions. Read about some of the conditions we work with. If you would like services in relation to a condition which is not listed then please contact us to find out how we can help you.
Questions about psychology
What do HSR’s psychologists do?
Our psychologists identify and support any needs your child might have. We work with children and young people so they can be happy, safe and ready for life’s challenges.
What does an assistant psychologist do?
Our assistant psychologists are all working towards a career as a psychologist, so during their role at HSR they do a very similar role to qualified psychologists. To support their learning and make sure we are providing a high quality service, assistant psychologists are supervised by qualified psychologists. Our assistant psychologists can carry out some specific assessments, interventions and training.
What is the difference between a psychologist and psychiatrist?
A psychologist is a trained practitioner in applied psychology usually to a doctorate level, they use evidence based theory and professional experience to maximise potential through identifying and addressing needs and increasing understanding. Psychologists work holistically and often provide services into schools, homes, communities as well as hospitals.
A psychiatrist is a trained medical doctor that works within a medical model and has training in psychiatric care. Psychiatrists usually work in hospital clinics or wards and can prescribe medication.
Are psychologists involved with all children and young people with additional needs?
No, some children and young people with additional needs require support from other professionals such as a speech and language therapist, an occupational therapist, a physiotherapist among many others.
How are psychologists accredited?
Professional, accredited psychologists are members of the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) which has a register of all professionals using a protected title, including educational psychologists and clinical psychologists. All psychologists are registered as applied psychologists. You can check credentials through searching on the HCPC website.
How can I check a psychologist is qualified to offer the service I want?
Professional, qualified psychologists are members of the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) which has a register of all professionals using a protected title, including educational psychologists and clinical psychologists. All psychologists are registered as applied psychologists. You can check credentials through searching on the HCPC website
Will a psychologist help a child to pass the 11+?
Psychologists can help children through targeted literacy or numeracy interventions in addition to managing stress or increasing self-confidence. Psychologists can help identify any barriers to learning and provide strategies to maximise potential.
Who we work with
Can HSR assess children and adults?
We assess and support children and young people aged 0-25, as these are the extended ages covered by SEND legislation (SEND code of practice, 2015). From age 19 we can assess individuals attending education through college, university, apprenticeship or training schemes.
Will HSR work with an individual who is over 25?
As a service we specialise in ages 0-25, if you are out of this age range and would like to use our services then please contact us and we can discuss your needs and maybe signpost you to someone who can help.
If an individual has received a report from a different psychologist could HSR provide the intervention?
Yes we could, but we would need to have an initial discussion to go over the existing findings and the recommended intervention. Based on the existing report we would also look to see if further assessments would be needed to either choose an appropriate intervention, or to personalise the recommended intervention.
Does HSR assess children and young people who do not speak English?
Yes, although there may be limitations to the assessments we can carry out. We do have a number of non-verbal assessments we could use depending on the context. This will be discussed during an initial discussion. If parents/carers do not speak English then they may want to bring an interpreter to any sessions or meetings.
Does HSR help with issues such as anxiety, loss of confidence and fears?
What age range does HSR work with?
We assess and support children and young people aged 0-25, as these are the extended ages covered by SEND legislation (SEND code of practice, 2015). From age 19 we usually assess individuals attending education through college, university, apprenticeship or training schemes.
Can HSR services be used for pre-school children?
We see pre-school children aged 0-5 if you would like us to see them. We offer early years setting services in addition to our services.
What is the earliest age HSR will assess to identify any cognitive problems?
The earliest age we can assess a child is from the age of 3 months. All children develop at a different pace so it is not common to assess a child for cognitive problems from such a young age.
Who would HSR typically work with?
We work with anyone who requires our help, more specifically you can read more about who we work with.
Do you work with the press or media?
Careers
What roles do you have in you team?
Most of the roles we require are for HCPC registered educational psychologists and clinical psychologists. We are also always interested to hear from the following individuals:
- Psychologists (educational, clinical and counselling)
- Trainee psychologists
- Assistant psychologists
- BACP Counsellors
- Play therapists
If you are interested in working with us please visit our careers page for more information.
Do you have any part time or term time only opportunities?
Yes, we are able to accept applications from candidates who are looking for flexible working.
I have sent you a copy of my CV when will you get back to me?
Once you have been shortlisted we will contact you by email or phone. Unfortunately we are unable to acknowledge receipt of all applications.
Will you provide feedback following an interview?
Yes, we always offer feedback following interviews.
How can I find out what vacancies you are currently recruiting for?
Can I be kept informed about new vacancies?
Yes, If you would like to be kept up-to-date with our vacancies please follow us on our Indeed page.
Do you have any opportunities for psychologists that are unable to work from North West England?
Not currently, though if you would like to send us your cv we would happily contact you if something suitable was to arise.
Psychology placements and work experience
Do you provide training placements for students on the DEdChPsy Educational and Child Psychology as part of their course?
We would be happy to discuss opportunities for training placements for students studying towards their doctorate at the University of Manchester. Trainee Educational Psychologists would receive regular supervision from our Educational Psychologists. For more information please visit our trainee psychologists page or contact us and let us know what year of your doctorate you are in and when you require the placement for.
Do you provide clinical placements for students on the ClinPsyD Doctorate in Clinical Psychology as part of their course?
We are happy to receive enquiries from students at the Universities of Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds and Lancaster studying towards their Doctorate in clinical psychology and are looking for a clinical placement working directly with children and young people. All clinical training is supervised by our experienced clinical psychologists. For more information please visit our trainee psychologists page or contact us and let us know what year of your doctorate you are in and when you require the placement for.
Do you provide placements for students on the PD Counselling Psychology as part of their course?
Students studying towards their Doctorate in Counselling Psychology at The University of Manchester complete 450 hours of supervised therapy whilst on placement. We are happy to discuss with students how we can help them achieve their placement needs. For more information please visit our trainee psychologists page or contact us and let us know what year of your doctorate you are in and when you require the placement for.
Do you offer work-based placements for students studying, or recently graduating from, undergraduate psychology degrees or psychology degrees at the level of masters or above?
Many degrees include work-based placements as part of the course. If you are currently on a psychology degree and looking for a work-based placement in applied child psychology please contact us. We are unable to accept requests for shadowing, observational or volunteer placements. We receive many requests for work-based placements, therefore, please send a copy of your CV and include a cover letter. It would also be useful to let us know the proposed date and length of your placements, as well as the details of your course. Find out more here.
Do you provide work experience to students at school, sixth-form or college? Or students are or have not studied psychology at degree level.
No unfortunately we are unable to provide work experience placements, however, we do run regular events for those with an interest in applied psychology.
Assessments
Does HSR assess behavioural difficulties as well as learning?
Here at HSR we believe that what appears to be ‘behavioural difficulties’ or ‘challenging behaviour’ is due to unmet needs, which is why we assess for needs in order to address them. When behaviour is the apparent problem it can be difficult to choose a specific assessment to identify needs, although following an initial discussion we could offer more specific advice and guidance in relation to next steps.
How long does an assessment take?
Assessments vary in time according to many factors. Some assessments may take an hour, whereas others can last two half days. Assessments may include observation sessions and conversations with people close to the individual. During an initial discussion it will be possible for one of our psychologists to provide a more accurate timescale for any input, including an assessment.We allocate 2 hours for an initial discussion. Some of this time will be used fro preparation / follow up.
Why do some assessments need to be done over a number of sessions?
Some assessments require a lot of concentration and this can be very tiring for children and young people which is why we recommend that some assessments take place on separate days. Children and young people may also have a preferred time of day for when they concentrate best. Some children may do an hour on each day, and in these cases to maximise the use of our time we would combine our session with other aspects of an assessment, including observations, talking with adults or scoring.
Does anything need to be brought for an assessment?
Usually nothing needs to be brought during an assessment, although this will all be made clear during an initial discussion prior to any assessment.
Can my child have special educational needs and also be able and talented/gifted?
Yes they can, because children and young people who are able and talented may require additional support to reach their potential. This additional support may include tutoring, anxiety support or additional work for a challenge.
Charges and booking info
Will private health insurance pay for HSR’s services?
Not all of our services are available through private health insurance, so you would be advised to check what would be covered prior to booking any services. Educational services are not usually covered by private health insurance, but some assessments and therapeutic interventions are.
Why use a service level agreement?
Service level agreements are used for ongoing work in education settings as they provide more value for money than stand alone work and have other benefits such as promoting the relationship between the psychologist and school staff. Service level agreements provide settings with a set number of days per week, term or year and the time can be spent doing multiple aspects of the role according to a settings changing needs.
Will HSR charge for a cancelled appointment?
If an appointment is cancelled within 48 hours then 100% of the cost will be charged. If an appointment is cancelled with more than 48 hours notice then there will be no charge.
How much does HSR charge?
We have tried to put average costs throughout our site so that prior to an initial discussion you will have an idea of what price you can expect. Accurate quotes can be provided following an initial discussion. Please see our prices page for information on current pricing.
How can an appointment be cancelled?
We hope you won’t cancel an appointment but we understand that at times it can’t be helped. To cancel an appointment please phone us directly on 0161 820 9229. When an appointment is cancelled before 48 hours then you will not be charged for the cancelled appointment.
Does HSR charge for travel time and mileage?
Yes depending on the location of where the work is to take place we may charge for travel time and mileage.
Policies
What is your privacy policy?
Find out more about what you can expect from us in terms of how we use data collected on our website and our privacy policy.
What is your confidentiality policy?
How does HSR receive feedback?
Feedback is important to any service, and we use it to develop. Reviews can be given via our Facebook or on Google. If you are unhappy with the service for any reason then please contact us and we will try to resolve the concerns at the earliest possible opportunity.
Where and when
Does HSR do home visits?
Yes we do. Home visits are available, and can be beneficial when working primarily with the child’s close family. If you would prefer a home visit over a school or clinic visit then please let us know during the initial discussion so it can be talked about then.
Will HSR visit a child’s school?
Ideally we would visit the child or young person’s education setting so we can gain a holistic understanding. When we visit an education setting we can support an individual to be happy, safe and ready for life’s challenges in more than one setting.
Where are the meetings?
An initial discussion and subsequent meetings can take place in a variety of settings, including one of our clinics around the Greater Manchester area, an education setting or in the community.
Is HSR open during school holidays?
Yes we are, except for bank holidays and the Christmas holidays. We stay open during school holidays to maximise our availability for families who may not live in the Greater Manchester area and need to travel in without missing out on education.
Do you carry out assessments during weekends?
Yes we do. Weekend appointments are available.
Definitions
What are special educational needs (SEN)?
SEN usually refers to additional needs an individual has which requires support for their development and learning.
What is SEND?
SEND stands for special educational needs and/or disabilities and usually refers to additional needs an individual has which requires support for their development and learning.
What is an EHC plan?
EHC plan stands for Education, Health and Care plan. EHC plans are legally binding documents which are made following an EHC needs assessment and state the local authority’s obligations to support a child or young person with identified education, health and social care needs. EHC plans are available for children and young people aged 0-25. EHC plans are reviewed every 12 months to make sure it is as up to date as possible. EHC plans are replacing statements of educational needs.
What is a SLA?
SLA stands for service level agreement which is an ongoing contract for work, usually between ourselves and an education setting or organisation.
What is the local offer?
The local offer provides all the information you need about specialist support and services in one place. The local offer gives parents and carers an opportunity to find services they otherwise wouldn’t have known about, including free events. Each local authority has a local offer available that can be found on their website.
Who is the SENCO?
The SENCO is the special educational needs co-ordinator within an education setting. The SENCO’s role can vary between schools, so if you would like to know more about your child’s SENCO then contact their school and they can provide you with accurate information regarding their role. We work closely with SENCOs as they are usually the individual within a school responsible for arranging specialist input.
What is additional SEN support?
Additional special educational needs support can include specialist equipment, interventions, extra support with help or therapy. If additional SEN support is recommended following our involvement we will always explain what that might include.
What is a personal budget?
A personal budget is an option for children and young people who have an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan. A personal budget can be provided directly to parents and carers so they can choose and pay for recommended specialist services directly.
What is a social enterprise?
A social enterprise is an organisation with mission to produce a positive social impact. A social enterprise is independently owned and controlled and uses its profits to further their social mission. A social enterprise is is also transparent about how they operate and what social impact they achieve. For more information please see Social Enterprise UK - the membership body for social enterprises in the UK. HSR Psychology is a social enterprise.
Next steps...
Ready to get started? The next step is to speak to our team to find out more about the services we provide and how we can help. Call us on 0161 820 9229 or email office@hsrpsychology.co.uk
Contact us
Ready to get started? The next step is to speak to our team to find out more about the services we provide and how we can help. Call us on 0161 820 9229 or email office@hsrpsychology.co.uk
We maximise the wellbeing and potential of children and young people by providing immediate access to a broad range of clinical, educational and child psychology services.
Call: 0161 820 9229
Email: office@hsrpsychology.co.uk
Visit: 3-5 St John Street, Manchester, M3 4DN
HSR Psychology is an independently owned and controlled not-for-profit social enterprise we reinvest any profits we generate to further maximise the wellbeing and potential of children and young people.
children and young people supported
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placements provided
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