A Shared Care Agreement is a formal arrangement between a specialist, a General Practitioner (GP), and a patient that enables the transfer of long-term treatment prescribing and monitoring from specialist services to primary care. The purpose of a Shared Care Agreement is to ensure ongoing patient care by defining clear roles and responsibilities for treatment management, monitoring, and safety.
At Private Psychiatry, we support Shared Care Agreements at no additional cost as part of our ongoing care. This service is included as part of our ongoing care, where clinically appropriate. Whichever clinic you choose, make sure you clarify the fee, as other clinics often charge a separate fee for this administrative work.
A Shared Care Agreement (SCA) is a documented clinical agreement outlining the shared responsibilities between a specialist and a primary care provider for the prescribing and monitoring of treatment, in accordance with NICE guidance and local prescribing policies.
Every Shared Care Agreement includes three parties: the private psychiatrist, the NHS General Practitioner, and the patient. The care that is defined in this agreement typically refers to prescribing, monitoring, and reviews, but the agreements can differ from one patient to another.
Shared Care Agreements are designed for patients who require ongoing psychiatric treatment that benefits from both specialist oversight and GP involvement. This model is most suitable where treatment is long-term, stable, and well-defined.
Shared Care is commonly used for individuals who:
ADHD is one of the most common indications for Shared Care Agreements, but this service can also benefit those who are in need of long-term treatment or have anxiety, depression, or other mood disorders.
If this is your first time looking into shared care, you might feel overwhelmed with information. That is why we have created an overview of the entire process to help you understand what to expect.
The first step toward a Shared Care Agreement requires the specialists in our clinic to do a comprehensive private diagnostic assessment. The initial assessment allows the psychiatrist to learn more about your condition and how it affects your life. Such information is crucial for diagnosing and tailoring a personalised treatment plan for you.
Before Shared Care can be considered, treatment must be appropriately established and stabilised under the supervision of a specialist. This stage is essential to ensure the treatment is effective and safe for longer-term management. This typically involves 2-4 follow-up appointments.
Once treatment has been established and clinically stabilised, we may propose a Shared Care Agreement to your GP. We manage the entire process very carefully to ensure your safety, clinical clarity, and alignment with NHS prescribing standards. All documentation is prepared by a specialist and reflects current clinical guidance, including NICE recommendations where applicable.
Once a Shared Care Agreement is in place, responsibilities for your care are clearly defined between your psychiatrist and your GP. The purpose of SCA is to make all roles and responsibilities transparent and clear for all three parties.
Even under Shared Care, your psychiatrist remains responsible for all specialist aspects of your psychiatric care, including:
Your psychiatrist remains your point of specialist contact and retains clinical responsibility for the psychiatric treatment plan.
Shared Care Agreements are not guaranteed. Acceptance is at the GP’s discretion, but having proper shared care documentation is essential in order to be considered for acceptance. Private Psychiatry will support you throughout the entire process, but cannot compel GP agreement.
Book an appointment, and we will reach out to start guiding you towards your Shared Care Agreement.
Shared Care Agreements are not guaranteed as they are subject to clinical suitability and must be agreed by your NHS GP. Acceptance is always at the GP’s discretion and may depend on local prescribing policies.
Shared Care can usually be considered once your diagnosis is confirmed and your medication has been initiated and stabilised by a consultant psychiatrist. It is not appropriate during active treatment changes.
Yes, even with a Shared Care Agreement, you will need to see your psychiatrist. Shared Care does not replace specialist care. Ongoing psychiatric reviews remain essential to ensure your treatment continues to be safe and effective.
We do not charge a separate fee for preparing or supporting Shared Care Agreements. This service is included as part of your ongoing psychiatric care.
If your GP is unable to accept Shared Care, we will discuss alternative options with you to ensure continuity of care. Your psychiatrist will continue to manage your treatment privately.
Shared Care Agreements are regularly reviewed and may be modified or discontinued if your clinical needs change or if it is no longer appropriate to share care in this way.
General Enquiries
Email: info@privatepsychiatry.co.uk
Telephone: 020 3930 1967
Administrative support is available by phone and email Monday to Friday
9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Monday – Friday: 9:00 am – 8:00 pm
Saturday – Sunday: 9:00 am – 8:00 pm
