What to Expect

What to expect from online appointments with Healios

This page explains what to expect from your online autism assessment, ADHD assessment or mental health support with Healios.

It is written for:

  • adults who will be attending online appointments.

Because services can work slightly differently depending on where you live and which NHS team you are with, this is a general guide. Your appointment letters, emails and texts will always include the most accurate information for your referral.

Before your online appointment

You will receive clear information

Before your first appointment, you will receive information from Healios that explains:

  • the type of appointment you have (for example, autism assessment, ADHD assessment, mental health support or post assessment support)
  • the date and time of your online session
  • how to log in to the Healios platform
  • who to contact if you have questions.

For NHS referrals, you may also receive letters or emails from your local NHS Services, Health Board or ICB explaining that Healios is providing part of your care.

You may be asked to complete forms or questionnaires

You may be asked to complete forms or questionnaires before your session. These help the clinician understand your situation and prepare so you can make the most of your time together.

They might ask about:

  • current challenges or concerns
  • medical, educational or developmental history
  • family situation or support network
  • any adjustments you may need to feel comfortable online.

You will also be asked to complete some standardised questionnaires ahead of your appointment (such as the strengths and difficulties questionnaire). These are very important questionnaires and should be completed ahead of the appointment. 

With your permission, some questionnaires may need to be completed by someone who knows you well to gather further information. This could be a partner, family member or other supporter. 

We recommend logging into your dashboard a couple of days before your appointment to allow you time to read and complete the questionnaires. 

Completing these questionnaires is often essential to your ongoing care. If you are not sure how to answer a question, you can contact us using the details in your welcome information.

Getting ready for an online session

Your space

You do not need special equipment to attend your session, but you should :

  • find a quiet, private space where you feel comfortable
  • set up your device so that the clinician can see you clearly on the screen
  • minimise background noise if you can
  • let others in the home know you have an appointment, so you are not disturbed.

Your device and connection

Most people join using:

  • a laptop
  • a tablet

You will need:

  • a stable internet connection
  • a working camera, microphone and speakers (or headphones).

Your care journey page and your welcome information explain how to log in and join your appointment.

If your internet connection is unstable, your clinician will try to reconnect or give you a call and agree what the next steps are.

Who will be in the appointment?

For adults, appointments are usually between:

  • You – the adult client
  • and a Healios clinician (for example, psychologist, mental health practitioner or other specialist).

Sometimes adults choose to have a partner, friend or family member present for part of the session. This can usually be discussed and agreed with the clinician if appropriate. We want to support you to feel comfortable during your sessions.

The clinician

Who you see depends on the type of appointment. Your session may be led by:

  • a psychologist
  • a mental health practitioner
  • another specialist clinician, depending on your needs and pathway.

All clinicians working with Healios are trained to deliver support safely online and to follow relevant clinical governance and safeguarding standards.

What happens in an online appointment?

Online autism assessments – what to expect

If you are having an online autism assessment, you can usually expect:

  • questions about development, communication, interaction and patterns of behaviour
  • discussion of strengths as well as challenges
  • opportunities to share examples from home, work or social situations
  • space to ask questions about autism and the assessment process.

For some assessments, clinicians may use structured tools, observation tasks or information from schools and other professionals, depending on what has been agreed with your local NHS team.

Online ADHD assessments – what to expect

If you are having an online ADHD assessment, you can usually expect:

  • questions about attention, focus, activity levels and impulsivity
  • discussion of how things are going at home, work or in relationships
  • an exploration of both strengths and difficulties
  • space to talk about how ADHD traits have affected everyday life.

With your permission, clinicians may also consider information from your trusted supporter such as a partner, family member or other supporter, in line with NHS guidance and local pathways.

Online mental health assessment - what to expect

If someone is referred for an online mental health assessment, the appointment may focus on:

  • understanding what has been happening recently and what feels most difficult right now
  • exploring how thoughts, feelings and behaviours may be linked
  • identifying what support might help and what next steps could look like.
Online mental health support sessions – what to expect

If someone is referred for ongoing online mental health support, sessions may focus on:

  • understanding current difficulties and what may be contributing to them
  • developing practical strategies or tools that may help
  • setting goals and reviewing progress over time
  • involving parents, carers or other supporters where appropriate.

The exact approach will be adapted to each person and the service they are referred to, based on a shared understanding of their needs.

How long do sessions last?

Session length can vary depending on the type of appointment and the local pathway. Your appointment letter or email should tell you how long to allow.

As a general guide:

  • Mental health assessments are usually around 90 minutes.
  • Ongoing mental health support sessions are usually around 50 minutes (although sometimes they may be longer, depending on the support being provided).
  • Other appointment types (for example, autism or ADHD assessments, feedback appointments or post-diagnostic support) can vary in length and may take place over more than one session.

Care is adapted to the individual. Our clinicians are experienced in engaging people online, and sessions can be adjusted where needed (for example, with breaks, shorter appointments or other practical changes).

If you are unsure how long to allow, please use our Contact page.

Post assessment support

Some people also receive post assessment support after an autism or ADHD assessment. These sessions may:

  • help you understand the outcome of your diagnostic assessment.
  • focus on strengths and how to build on them
  • explore practical strategies at home or work

Privacy and confidentiality

Healios uses a secure online platform to deliver appointments. We:

  • protect your information in line with UK data protection law
  • limit access to your records to staff who are involved in your care
  • share information with NHS teams according to agreed pathways and legal requirements.

For more detail, you can visit our Safety, compliance and integration page.

Safeguarding and risk

All of our clinicians are trained to recognise and respond to safeguarding and risk concerns during online appointments. If a clinician is worried about someone’s safety, they will follow our safeguarding processes, which may include:

  • talking to you about their concerns and supporting you to develop a safety plan
  • linking in with your local NHS, social care or emergency services if needed.

If you are worried about your immediate safety or you feel at risk, contact urgent local or national services here.

Quick answers: what to expect with Healios

Is an online autism or ADHD assessment as good as face to face?

Online assessments are designed to follow clinical guidance and governance standards and are delivered by trained clinicians. Your local NHS team will only use online autism and ADHD assessments that meet their safety and quality expectations.

If something goes wrong with the technology

Sometimes technology does not work as expected. If:

  • your screen freezes
  • your internet connection drops
  • your sound or video stops working,

your clinician will try to reconnect or will telephone you and agree what to do next. This might include:

  • trying again within the same time slot
  • rearranging the appointment if needed.

If you are cut off and cannot reconnect, please follow the instructions in your appointment email or contact us using the details provided.

What if I feel nervous about being on camera?

It is normal to feel anxious before an appointment. Clinicians are used to this and will:

  • explain what will happen
  • check how you are feeling
  • go at a pace that feels manageable and support you to feel comfortable

You can talk about any worries at the start of the session. Being able to see you on the camera provides the clinician with important information as they can see your facial expressions and often can help them to understand you better. We understand this can feel strange at times, but we are here to help you and will not judge

Loading...