Visa Medicals rather than Knightsbridge... psychiatric assessments?

[ninetoes 3]

Hey guys,

 

In preparation for my medical appointment I had all my honest information ready. Some regarding mental health history. Having read the forums of Knightsbridge experiences I've seen people get referred on to a psychiatric assessment when there were mental health issues that needed confirmation that the applicant was in the all clear. There's some stuff on my application that almost certainly needs clarification (depressive episodes due to best friend's suicide) that were kinda skimmed over in my recent medical and I'm hoping for the chance to have that psychiatric evaluation to clear it up. 

 

I believe for the US Visa process in the UK it's moved from Knightsbridge to 'Visa Medicals' so I was wondering if I'm likely to get that opportunity or request from visa medicals as I can't see anything on their site about such psych services?

[Wuozopo 4,293]

10 hours ago, ninetoes said:

Hey guys,

 

In preparation for my medical appointment I had all my honest information ready. Some regarding mental health history. Having read the forums of Knightsbridge experiences I've seen people get referred on to a psychiatric assessment when there were mental health issues that needed confirmation that the applicant was in the all clear. There's some stuff on my application that almost certainly needs clarification (depressive episodes due to best friend's suicide) that were kinda skimmed over in my recent medical and I'm hoping for the chance to have that psychiatric evaluation to clear it up. 

 

I believe for the US Visa process in the UK it's moved from Knightsbridge to 'Visa Medicals' so I was wondering if I'm likely to get that opportunity or request from visa medicals as I can't see anything on their site about such psych services?

You are correct in that “Knightsbridge” is no longer the name, but people still regularly use that name and it’s the same clinic, same people, and basic website. There used to be two locations and I think they split and the location that did all the visa stuff assumed the new name “Visa Medicals”.

 

When you say “kinda skimmed over in my recent medical”, do you mean a visit to your GP or your actual visa medical?

I know of many in this forum over the last 10 years who have had depression issues, self-harm, suicide attempts, etc. Not many are referred for psych exams.  So where are you in the process? I am not fully understanding your question. Are you  wanting to prepare for when you go to Visa Medicals?  Are you just concerned that they have a brand new clinic doing Medicals? If that is the case, no problem because it’s the same clinic with a new name on their website.

Edited May 10, 2020 by Wuozopo

[ninetoes 3]

THanks for getting back to me Wuozopo!

 

I went for my 'visa medical' appointment on Thursday and the mental health issues were rather quickly gone over. (Completely understandable as it wasn't a psych eval) My concern also lies in I admitted to smoking marijuana twice once the day after my friend passed and once in early 2017. Both thinking it may assist in alleviating feelings of grief. Both induced anxiety and were foolish mistakes. 

 

Basically I'm hoping they WILL ask me for a psych eval as I might at least get a chance to explain my regret, express why I was in such a mental headspace at the time and hopefully prove I've grown up from the depression and mistakes. I was alarmed thinking that it was a different clinic and there was a possibility that I may not get that opportunity before the medical report is sent to the embassy. But from the sounds of it they're essentially the same clinic and I'm still likely to get that request for a psych eval?

[Wuozopo 4,293]

2 hours ago, ninetoes said:

THanks for getting back to me Wuozopo!

 

I went for my 'visa medical' appointment on Thursday and the mental health issues were rather quickly gone over. (Completely understandable as it wasn't a psych eval) My concern also lies in I admitted to smoking marijuana twice once the day after my friend passed and once in early 2017. Both thinking it may assist in alleviating feelings of grief. Both induced anxiety and were foolish mistakes. 

 

Basically I'm hoping they WILL ask me for a psych eval as I might at least get a chance to explain my regret, express why I was in such a mental headspace at the time and hopefully prove I've grown up from the depression and mistakes. I was alarmed thinking that it was a different clinic and there was a possibility that I may not get that opportunity before the medical report is sent to the embassy. But from the sounds of it they're essentially the same clinic and I'm still likely to get that request for a psych eval?

Did you have something from your GP that said you are not a threat to yourself or others?  It’s typically only people who can’t bring anything from another medical professional that are asked for a psych exam. And I am pretty certain if they wanted that from you, they would have scheduled you for something at their clinic on a future date when a psychiatrist would have been in at their location. They don’t typically dismiss you to decide later or let the embassy decide. They are supposed to give the medical yes or no on their report before they send it on to the embassy. They would have asked for more right then if they felt like they needed it. 
 

They probably tagged your urine same to also be tested for drugs since you admitted prior use.  If that comes back clean, then they wouldn’t fail you on minimal use in the distant past. 

[ninetoes 3]

I certainly hope you're right. I've seen some pretty damning comments in other sections of the forums regarding any marijuana use. We're mentally preparing in case my partner will have to move back to the UK if I get a year ban.

 

It's been a mentally exhausting process (as I'm sure it is for literally everyone) and I can't wait for it all to be over. Thanks for your time Wuozopo