FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any questions, the answers are available below.

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Is the Dr Julian Platform a Medical Device?

The Dr Julian platform is a Medical Device in relation to the assessments that you are requested to undertake as part of your therapy. As a consequence we are registered with.The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) as Class 1 Medical Device under reference 2020052001181139.

How do I have my appointment?

A few minutes before your appointment time please log into your web app (if using a computer), Android or Apple app (if using phone or tablet). If on the Android or Apple apps a push notification will come through which you must click to enter into the call when your therapist phones you. If using the web app on a laptop/computer via your browser a notification will come through when your therapist rings. Alternatively a green phone symbol will appear on your dashboard under the My Appointments section. You can click this when it appears which will allow you to enter the appointment with your therapist. If you have any issues connecting please contact your therapist via their email/ message me button on their profile.

What accessibility options can I use with the Dr-Julian platform?

Windows and Apple Laptop / desktop computers have built in accessibility features which can be used to change the screen size and / or screen display to help users, please see the below links for support in using these features. Apple Accessibility : Window Accessibility

Is Dr-Julian compliant for the NHS in terms of data security and governance?

Yes Dr-Julian meets the NHS’s strict regulations for its governance and data security. We are compliant with the NHS Data Protection Toolkit with organisational code (ODS): DVF

How do I contact you?

If you need any help, have any questions, or wish to report a concern, please contact info@dr-julian.com and we will respond within 1 working day.

What is the Dr-Julian Platform?

Dr-Julian is an innovative mental health and well-being platform that aims to increase accessibility to mental healthcare in the UK. We connect you to mental healthcare professionals, including psychotherapists, counsellors and psychologists, by secure video/audio/text link from the comfort of your computer/ tablet or phone or face to face. Our platform lets you book appointments with a variety of therapists and filter who you would like to see via language/therapy type/problem/availability.

Is Dr-Julian right for me?

Dr-Julian may be the right solution for you if you would like to improve the quality of your
life. If you have issues that are interfering with your happiness or creating barriers to achieving your goals we are here to help. We have therapists who can treat a wide range of conditions such as depression, anxiety, stress, addiction, bereavement, obsessions and compulsions, eating, sleeping, anger, grief, self-esteem, family management, trauma, psychosis, post-traumatic stress and many more. We have healthcare professionals who can help in the specialist areas of psychosexual and relationship issues, LGBT matters, body dysmorphic disorder, mental health issues with diabetes/chronic physical health conditions such as medically unexplained symptoms, pain and many others.

When is Dr-Julian NOT right for me?

If you are in an emergency or severe crisis situation, you should call 999 or your crisis team if you have one. If you are undergoing an acute psychosis, or you have a severe mental illness and are experiencing a relapse that is being managed by specialist teams outside of Dr-Julian.

What technology do I need to connect to Dr-Julian?

We currently offer our service via conventional internet or through a smartphone using 4G. Using conventional internet , you can access Dr-Julian Platform via a free web app app.dr-julian.com . This can be used on all computers/ tablets and phones. The best way to access it is via Google Chrome. You can have appointments, and do assessments and appointment bookings via this link. You can use the Dr-Julian smartphone app for your appointment, but you’ll need to access the Dr-Julian web platform app.dr-julian.com to do your assessments and book your appointments. These downloadable apps are used for the appointment if using a phone/tablet for your appointment. PLEASE NOTE the web app will not work for your appointment on a phone/tablet so you will need to use the downloadable apps from the:

to have your appointment.

Appointments can be undertaken on most Laptops, desktop computers, smartphones, and tablets with webcam and microphone. If connecting using WiFi to ensure you have the best possible experience, we recommend that you check you have a good internet connection. You can test your internet speed by clicking here

The recommended minimum internet speeds are as follows :

Download: 3.5mbps

Upload 1.5mbps

if your speed test shows slower speeds than this, we recommend checking that no other devices (Eg. TV’s, Tablets, Laptops and other media devices) are using your internet connection. This will ensure you have the full available speed for your appointment. It is also a good idea to check that your device is not downloading any files during the appointment, this can include but is not limited to Windows updates, Movie or Music downloads or streaming for example Netflix and YouTube. If your internet speed does not meet our platform's minimum requirement it will be necessary to conduct your appointment using another source. If this is the case, please notify your therapist using the “Send Message” button from the therapist profile on the website as soon as you can before the appointment and they will arrange it for you. If connecting using a Mobile Phone network you will need a minimum of 3 bars signal strength.

How can I resume therapy after being discharged?

If you wish to resume therapy after being discharged, please contact your mental health care provider or referring Trust. They will discuss your situation and, if appropriate, can re-refer you to our service for additional sessions. Typically, a period of consolidation is recommended after discharge, where you apply what you've learned in therapy before re-engaging with our services.

What are the Free Assessments?

Our Free Assessments use standard and validated questionnaires used within the NHS for assessing Depression, Anxiety and other conditions such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. These questionnaires assess the severity of these conditions. If you use our Web App and register for a secure free account you will be able to store these assessment results and track your condition over time

How long is my appointment?

Appointments on the Dr-Julian platform normally scheduled for one hour. This includes a minimum of 50 minutes of talking time with your healthcare professional and 10 minutes for the professional to record the notes from your appointment. We may at times have appointments of different durations such as 30 minutes, with pro-rata talking time, but the length of the appointment and price will always be visible when you book an appointment.

What does it cost?

If you are referred via the NHS or your company, your Appointments are free and provided for you. If you are paying privately, appointments cost either £60 or £100/ hour session. The cost depends on the level of experience and qualifications of the therapists. As a general guide £60 appointments are with post diploma/masters level therapists who have at least 2 years clinical experience, and £100 appointments are with post doctorate level clinical psychologists or highly specialist psychotherapists. In general using Dr-Julian you are getting better value as many therapists charge a higher rate for their own private practices.

When do I pay for my appointment?

When you book an appointment you will be asked to provide your card payment details; however, your payment will not normally be taken until the therapist has confirmed the appointment with you. The only exception is when your payment card provider does not permit delayed processing.

How do I select a suitable therapist for my needs?

All of our therapists are trained to deal with the most common issues. On our Web App, we are able to match you to the most appropriate therapist for your issue. You do this by using the filters. You can filter by language, therapy type, and issue you need help with as well as date and time. When clicking on a therapist you can read their biography and qualifications before booking any appointments. The biography will also outline their specialisms, experiences, and any particular areas of expertise.

We recommend, if you are not sure about selecting the right therapist for you, that you message your chosen therapist before booking an appointment by clicking the “message” button on their profile. On the iOS app we are unable to match you using filters and you can only read the therapists biography and select a date for the therapists that are available on that date.

If you are still uncertain about selecting the right therapist we can assist you in selecting a suitable therapist for your needs. We offer a 30 minute appointment for £40 with one of our most experienced therapists, who will explore your needs and suggest three therapists that meet your requirements from which to choose. Please email us if you require this help to info@dr-julian.com .

You can find a lot of information about the different issues and therapies available on our website. If you have a special requirement that is not covered, please email info@dr-julian.com and we will endeavour to assist you.

What if none of the therapy time slots work for me?

If there are no time slots or particular therapists available with whom you would like to have an appointment, please message your chosen therapist by clicking the “message” button on the therapist’s profile. You will then be able to arrange a convenient time for both of you, following which the therapist will upload that availability, which you will then need to book. This feature is not available on the iOS Apple app.

What are the earliest and latest appointment times available?

We offer appointments from 7am to 10pm, seven days a week, including Bank Holidays, Easter, Christmas, and New Year, thanks to our team of both full-time and part-time therapists.

I’m worried about privacy?

Dr. Julian takes your privacy extremely seriously, and we have a detailed, privacy notice and cookie policy that complies with the Data protection Act 2018 and explains how we handle your data and your rights in relation to it. You can find these documents on our website. We do not record any of your appointments. We use SSL end-to-end encryption for your security. We do not keep any of your payment card details on our systems. If you choose to create an account, you will choose a secure password to access it. We are registered with the Data Protection Office (ICO) reference number: ZA201584.

Why am I not seeing any available appointment options when searching?

If no appointment options appear, it may be due to a lack of availability matching your criteria. Try adjusting your search by selecting different times or broadening your availability. Our system is live, and new appointments are frequently added, so availability can change throughout the day. If you still can’t find a suitable time, please contact us with your preferred days and times at admin@dr-julian.com or reply to your welcome email, and we’ll assist you in booking an appointment.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept all major debit and credit cards, including American Express, Visa, and MasterCard. Your sensitive card details are encrypted using SSL (secure socket layer technology) before transmission to our secure payment service provider, Stripe. Your card details will never be stored on our servers.

What happens if my appointment over-runs?

For one hour appointments your therapist is committing an hour to you. This allows for no less than 50 minutes of contact time (providing you start your appointment on time) and 10 minutes of admin and note writing time for your therapist. Notes form an important part of your medical record for future appointments. If for whatever reason your contact time exceeds 50 minutes you will not be charged but it cannot exceed 60 minutes. For appointments that are 30 minutes this would break down to no less than 25 minutes of contact time and 5 minutes of note writing/ administration time.

How do I book repeat and/or regular appointments?

If you want to book a further appointment with your therapist, you can agree on a date and time for a future appointment with them during your appointment. They will then update their availability on the web app to make that time available to you, and at the end of your appointment, you must book and pay for that time slot immediately to secure it. You may book multiple appointment slots at the same time on the Web App by selecting several appointments before proceeding to payment.

We recommend booking your next appointment in the last 5 minutes of your current appointment so that your therapist can upload a suitable time slot and you can then book this to prevent someone else booking. To do this all you need to do is to open a new tab on your browser and log into the platform again (obviously leaving open the session with your therapist) to allow you to book another appointment whilst in your current appointment.

Do you offer translation services?

Many of our therapists offer sessions in various languages, which you can filter for when booking your first appointment. If you can’t find a therapist who offers sessions in your preferred language, please contact our switchboard or email us at admin@dr-julian.com, and we’ll do our best to match you with someone suitable. Please note that we do not provide translation or interpreter services.

How often do I need to see my therapist?

The frequency of sessions will depend on the therapy type and your personal needs. Your therapist will discuss with you how often they believe you should have a session in order to receive the maximum benefit. Usually, sessions are once a week but these can be flexible to accommodate your needs.

I completed my NHS-funded treatment but would like to continue privately. How can I arrange this?

To continue your treatment privately, you can register with a different email address on our platform for self-funded sessions.

Is there a set amount of sessions that would be most beneficial?

The number of sessions you have will depend on your personal situation and the type of therapy you choose to receive. Your therapist will discuss this with you. Many people will need between six and eight sessions for a course of CBT therapy. Other therapies may require fewer or more sessions. You can end your course of therapy whenever you feel it is necessary, but it is strongly encouraged that you discuss your wish to end your therapy sessions with your therapist first so you can bring matters to a satisfactory closure.

Are my appointments recorded?

We do not record any therapy sessions. They are strictly confidential between you and your therapist. Notes will however be recorded about your session by your professional and details of text appointments will be stored in your account so you can access them at any time.

Are my appointments with the therapist confidential?

All the information that is discussed in an appointment with Dr-Julian is completely confidential between you and your therapist. Each therapist abides by their professional body’s ethical and confidentiality code. In exceptional circumstances, a therapist may need to share some information where there is a legal requirement to do so, or with another professional, such as your GP, for example if there is a serious risk of harm to yourself or to others. Your information will normally only be shared with your permission.


Your therapist will make clinical notes of your appointment. If you book an appointment with a different therapist, your clinical notes will be made available to your new therapist to assist with your ongoing treatment. If your treatment has been paid for directly or indirectly by the NHS, then your clinical notes and other information will be shared with them. Your notes may be reviewed confidentially by select qualified Dr-Julian professionals for auditing and quality
evaluation purposes. For further information please read our Privacy Notice.

Will my employer be told I have had an appointment?

No. We will not share any confidential information with your employer about your treatment and care. If you wish to provide proof to your employer about your engagement with Dr-Julian you can do so by downloading information from your platform view.

How do I know if I need therapy?

Therapy is suitable for, and can be beneficial to, anyone who is in need of talking to someone. People who need therapy come from a wide range of situations and backgrounds, and they have a wide variety of difficulties. No problem is too small for therapy. If you are feeling stressed, experiencing a challenge you would like help with overcoming, or if you just want to have a chat with someone and get something off your chest, then therapy could be right for you.

Is video online therapy effective?

Video online therapy has been proven to work just as well, and in some cases, better, than traditional face-to-face therapy. Large review articles such as ‘Usefulness of telepsychiatry: A Critical evaluation of videoconferencing-based approaches. Charkrabarti (2015)’ have shown equivalent clinical effectiveness in over 200 trials at the highest levels of medical evidence. Patient satisfaction was frequently reported as higher in the online therapy groups.

What are the benefits of video online therapy?

With traditional therapy from organisations like the NHS, a therapist is allocated to you or you are assigned to a long waiting list. When you use Dr-Julian, either as a private, NHS, or corporate patient, you have the freedom to choose from a wide range of specialists who can see you quickly and without the need to add the stresses of travel and parking.

Perhaps more importantly you can have your appointment in the comfort of a location of your choosing including your home. You can also continue to have your therapy whilst travelling on business or whilst on holiday. You can also have your therapy session at any time of the day including evenings and weekends (subject to your therapist's availability) – perfect for those with a busy work schedule.

What sort of therapy do you offer?

Finding the right therapist and the correct type of therapy to match your needs is the most important element when choosing a therapy service. Depending on your individual needs, we have a wide variety of therapists offering multiple therapy types. Please see our therapies page for more information. You can filter our therapists by your needs, including language, therapy type, issue you need help with, and date/time. This helps you to find the right therapist for your needs.

Are all therapies the same?

Not all therapies are the same, but they do have similarities. All therapies should make you feel that you are supported and help you to make sense of your individual circumstances. By the end of any therapy, you should feel that you are better equipped to cope with the future.

Each type of therapy is designed to help a different set of needs, so therapies will differ from each other in certain ways. Psychodynamic therapy concentrates on talking about your past, whereas other therapies may choose to focus on the present or even the future. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) often involves ‘homework’ for you to do. Some therapies, like mindfulness therapy, are more spiritual.

Please see the therapies page on our web site for more information.

How many people get counselling/therapy?

There are currently no statistics available on how many people receive therapy in the UK. However, it is clear that a growing number of people are seeking therapy. Research shows that 1 in 4 British adults will suffer with a mental health problem at some stage in their life, so it is increasingly common to experience some sort of difficulty that can be helped by therapy. In the past year more than 1.4 Million people have been referred for counselling by the NHS alone.

Are Dr-Julian therapists professionally qualified?

We have a strict recruitment policy for our therapists. Every therapist is carefully selected and interviewed by Dr-Julian. They are all highly experienced with a minimum of 2 years clinical experience and they must provide evidence of counselling therapy or psychotherapy qualifications to diploma level or higher for masters and doctorate level therapists. They must also have up-to-date professional indemnity insurance and an up to date CRB check. All our therapists also have either had or are having online training. All Dr-Julian therapists are carefully selected by Dr-Julian using a robust and stringent recruitment process. Therapists are all highly experienced with a minimum of 2 years post qualification clinical experience. All Dr-Julian therapists are insured and have an up-to-date DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check. All our therapists are trained in risk assessment, risk management and equality, diversity and inclusion.

What if I am not happy with my first appointment?

If you are paying for your appointment and did not find the right therapist first time, we will offer you the opportunity to book a reduced price session with another therapist at the same price level. Email us at info@dr-julian.com with the details of your first session within 7 days of your initial appointment, and we will refund you 25% of the second appointments price if it is booked within 14 days of your original appointment. The refund will be made after the second appointment has been completed.

What do I do if I am unhappy with the service I have received?

If you feel you have a complaint about the way your therapist is working with you, we recommend in the first instance that you try to resolve it with the therapist. If that doesn’t work, then the next stage would be for you to contact our Customer Success Team by calling the switchboard or emailing us at admin@dr-julian.com. Details of your complaint will then be passed to our Clinical Team for investigation. We will keep you updated regarding any next steps. If you wish to make a formal complaint, please email us at complaints@dr-julian.com. Your complaint will then be investigated, and you will be contacted regarding next steps and the outcome.

Can I use this service even if I am not based in the UK?

Yes. Our service operates internationally as required.

How old do you need to be to have therapy with Dr-Julian?

Dr-Julian is suitable for people 12 years of age or older. If you are under 16 you will be matched with a therapist who has specialist qualifications and training in working with Children and Young People.

How do I register for an account?

You do not need to register for a Dr-Julian account as one is created for you when you are referred into our service. Upon referral you will receive an automated email from us, with instructions on how to access your account and book your first session. Please follow the instructions in the welcome email to confirm your email address and reset your password. There is a link within the email that you can click to go through this process which will generate an email to your inbox with a confirmation link in it. Please check your spam/ junk folders if you do not receive this. Once you’ve confirmed your email account you will be required to create your own password, and you will be able to log into your account. You can access your account by visiting our website on a PC/ laptop or by downloading our app onto your smart device/ mobile phone. Please accept all the terms and conditions and grant permissions to allow access to your camera and microphone when prompted. If you experience any difficulties with this, please contact us by calling our switchboard or emailing us at admin@dr-julian.com and we can assist you with accessing your account and booking your first session.

How do I book an appointment?

Do I get appointment reminders?

Yes, 30 minutes before your appointment is due to start you will receive a reminder email together with instructions on how to have your appointment.

What happens if my therapist cancels my appointment?

In the unfortunate event that your therapist has to cancel an appointment, you will be notified as soon as possible by email. Your appointment record will be updated on the dashboard of your personal Dr-Julian account to show the cancellation within “My Appointments”. Your account will be credited with an appointment credit that allows you to book another appointment with the same therapist but only by using the Dr-Julian website. If you require a refund, please email us at info@dr-julian.com

What happens if my therapist does not confirm my appointment?

Once your appointment is scheduled, it will be automatically confirmed, and you'll receive an email notification with all the details.

How do text appointments work?

This is only available when using the Dr-Julian website or the Dr-Julian Android appointment app. Text appointments enable you to chat directly with your therapist in writing for the duration of your appointment time, a copy of the chat transcript will then be saved in your ‘My Text appointments and Messages’ section of your dashboard.

This will be similar to using text messaging on your mobile device with your therapist providing instant responses exclusively with you. Our therapists do not conduct multiple text appointments at the same time so you will have their full attention.

What are the Minimum Technical Requirements to use Dr-Julian?

In order to be able to have Video and Audio appointments you will be required to have a working Webcam and Microphone on your device. For the best possible experience please ensure you are using the latest version of one of the following internet browsers on your device. Google Chrome - Download Now Internet Explorer - Download Now Microsoft Edge - Download Now Mozilla Firefox - Download Now Safari - Download Now.

How do I check my Video and Voice are Working?

When having your appointment on a Computer. When you are logged in to the website, using the menu in the top left-hand corner of your dashboard click on the ‘My Appointments” page. In the top right-hand corner of the Appointments calendar you will see a button called “Test camera”. Click on this and it will enable you to check that both camera and microphone are working.

What is the best way to have a Dr-Julian video appointment?

To ensure your appointment goes as smoothly as possible, there are a few things you need to do to prepare. We have created a checklist below to help you get ready for your session.

1. If you would like to prepare some notes on what you would like to discuss during the session, this can help some people.

2. Before your first appointment, please make sure you have completed your registration and provide any additional information requested under your personal profiles.

3. You will need to have a good Internet connection, WIFI or 4G (3G may cause interruption in the video link). Please see FAQ “ What Technology do I need to connect to Dr-Julian? ” for more information.

4. If you get cut off for whatever reason and are using the Apple iOS App your therapist will call you back as soon as they can so please remain logged into the app. If using the web site remain logged in to your account and the therapist will call you back or if it is an internet issue you will be reconnected automatically when it resolves itself.

5. Many people find using earphones or a headset makes it easier to hear and more private, so you may wish to have these to hand.

6. Ensure that you are logged into the Dr-Julian platform or mobile app on your Laptop/Desktop/iPhone/ iPad/ iPod touch several minutes before your appointment start time (we recommend 10 minutes).

7. If using the Apple iOS app you will need to allow the Dr-Julian app to to send push notifications to your device and enable the app to access to the camera and microphone. If you have an iPhone or similar device you can do this in “Settings” > “Dr-Julian” > “Notifications” > “Allow Notifications”.

8. If using a phone/ tablet please secure or rest your iPhone/iPad/iPod against something in an upright portrait mode so you don’t get tired holding it steady during the session. Please also make sure it is approximately one arm's length away so you and your therapist can see each other clearly.

9. Your therapist will contact you at your appointment start time by calling you through the Dr-Julian platform , however, it is possible there may be a few minutes delay so please remain online.

What happens if your video technology fails due to connectivity issues?

In the event that you or your therapist lose internet connectivity during your appointment, please remain logged in and on the appointment screen and your therapist will re-join once the connection is restored. Alternatively, you can end the appointment and remain logged in and your therapist will continue to call you back for the duration of your appointment.

How do you confirm my appointments?

When you request an appointment with a therapist it will be provisionally booked, and you will receive email confirmation. The therapist will then confirm the appointment, as soon as possible but in any case, within 24 hours. This will then be confirmed by an email which will provide further information about what you must do immediately prior to having your appointment.

How do I select a suitable therapist for my needs?

The Dr-Julian platform allows you to choose a therapist based on your preferences. You can filter for days, times, languages and much more. You are free to click on therapist profiles, read their biographies, and decide if the therapist is right for you before committing to an appointment. You can also contact the therapist directly if you have any questions. If you are uncertain about selecting the right therapist our Dr-Julian Customer Success Team can help you to find an appointment that best suits your needs and requirements.

What is the Evidence for Online therapy and Dr Julian

Online therapy can be equally if not more effective than traditional face to face therapy. There are extensive clinical trials which have proven its effectiveness.

A Meta-Analysis of over 200 Randomised trials

Usefulness of tele psychiatry: A critical evaluation of videoconferencing-based approaches’ Chakrabarti S. (2015)

Concluded:

“Evidence indicates that videoconferencing-based tele psychiatry and therapy is no less effective than traditional face-to-face treatment”

“Treatment of depression delivered by videoconferencing is equivalent to face-to-face treatment on symptom reduction”

“In several instances video conferencing treatment has actually turned out to be superior to face-to-face treatment on depression outcomes”

“CBT may be particularly well suited to videoconferencing, because it is usually brief, more structured and less dependent on the therapeutic relationship”

“75-100% of the users reported considerable satisfaction with tele-psychiatric care”

Other trials include

Hulsbosch, A. , et al.(2016). Videoconferencing in a mental health service in The Netherlands: A randomized controlled trial on patient satisfaction and clinical outcomes for outpatients with severe mental illness. Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare

Carlbring, P., Andersson, G., Cuijpers, P., Riper, H., & Hedman-Lagerlöf, E. (2018). Internet-based vs. face-to-face cognitive behavior therapy for psychiatric and somatic disorders: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, 47(1), 1-18. doi:10.1080/16506073.2017.1401115

Pslylyk-Colwell, E., Argaez, C. (2018). Telehealth for the assessment and treatment of depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and anxiety disorder

An independent evaluation and health economic analysis performed by the Kent Surrey and Sussex Academic Health Science Network has shown therapy with Dr Julian to be more effective then equivalent face to face NHS services with a:

-9.3% Increase in Reliable Recovery Rate

-17.3% Increase in Reliable Improvement Rate

-50% Fewer Dropouts

-50% Reduction in Did Not Attend Rates

- 1/3 Cheaper than equivalent NHS appointments

- NHS gets £2.83 back from every £1 spent

How and where is my data stored?

The Dr Julian Platform saves all your information to its secure database hosted on Amazons Web Services (AWS) in London (EU) In-line with best GDPR practices.

How secure is my data when being transferred between my device and the Dr Julian platform?

Your data is transmitted via our secure API which is encrypted end to end. The Dr Julian platform also utilises a “Secure Socket Layer” (SSL Certificate) using RSA encryption.

How do I manage my notification settings for security and privacy?

The Dr Julian platform and mobile applications use only one notification which is used to notify you when your Therapist calls you to begin your appointment. You can manage your notification preferences to avoid the notifications appearing on your device when using one of the Mobile apps by following the following guides:

iOS: https://support.apple.com/en-gb/guide/iphone/iph7c3d96bab/ios

Android: https://support.google.com/android/answer/9079661?hl=en-GB

If you disable notifications you will need to be logged in to the Dr Julian platform or mobile applications in order to be able to join your appointment when your therapist calls you.

The Dr Julian platform will only display the notification if you are logged in to the Dr Julian platform using a laptop or desktop computer and have it open on your screen.

What happens if there is a data security breach?

We have procedures in place to deal with any suspected data security breach. We will notify you and any applicable regulator of a suspected data breach where we are legally required to do so. We have clear policies for our staff on how to identify and respond to any breach and a separate Data Security Policy. We have insurance cover in relation to any breach.

Does Dr Julian sell or share its information with third parties?

Dr Julian does NOT share or sell any information with/to third parties. Details of who does have access to your information in relation to your treatment and management of our relationship is fully detailed in our Privacy Policy: https://dr-julian.com/privacy-cookie-policy/

Will my information be used for clinical research?

On occasion we may use fully anonymised information for research purposes. It will NOT be possible to identify you from this information. If you would prefer that we did not use your anonymised information then please email us at info@dr-julian.com to that effect.

For how long is my personal information held?

We retain your clinical record by reference to the IGA Records Management Code of Practice for Health and Social Care guidance for managing health records https://digital.nhs.uk/information-governance-alliance and to support our legal obligations to be accountable for your care. When the retention period detailed in the guidance expires we will delete all record of your relationship with us from our servers where it is securely stored.

How often is the content, advice and the assessments contained within the WebApp/Apps reviewed?

The content/advice is reviewed and updated as required at least annually by appropriately qualified members of the Dr Julian team. This includes the scoring and content of the assessments which you may complete as part of your treatment. We also update the content in response to any new developments relating to information we make available to you.

What is the Clinical Evidence behind the Anxiety and Depression Assessments that can be completed on the web site/webapp/apps?

These assessments have been fully validated in clinical trials. They are used extensively across the world for providing guidance in the diagnosis of the conditions and their severity. They are used within all NHS Mental Health Trusts as a standard requirement for completion by patients suffering from mental health conditions.

What is the Clinical Evidence behind the additional assessments that my therapist asks that I complete in relation to my specific issue?

These assessments have been fully validated in clinical trials. They are the standard assessments which patients with specific issues are required to complete in the NHS. They provide additional information that assists your therapist in delivering your therapy.

Do you comply with any International App Design Standards?

We are always working to make our website and web applications as accessible and usable as possible and our development team use the W3C, WCAG 2.0 and 2.1 principles in developing our website and web applications.

I have suggestions as to how the WebApp/Apps can be improved. Who should I write to?

We welcome user feedback and continuously seek to improve the performance of Dr Julian as a result of user experience. Following on from recent feedback we have incorporated the additional assessments which your therapist may ask you to complete within the Apps themselves and improved the reminders to complete assessments before an appointment. Please write to us at Julian@dr-julian.com with your suggestions.

Do you have an Accessibility Statement?

Yes, this can be found on our website: https://dr-julian.com/accessibilitystatement

General Information

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General Information

What is the Dr-Julian Platform?

Dr-Julian is an innovative mental health and well-being platform that aims to increase accessibility to mental healthcare in the UK. We connect you to mental healthcare professionals, including psychotherapists, counsellors and psychologists, by secure video/audio/text link from the comfort of your computer/ tablet or phone or face to face. Our platform lets you book appointments with a variety of therapists and filter who you would like to see via language/therapy type/problem/availability.

General Information

Is Dr-Julian right for me?

Dr-Julian may be the right solution for you if you would like to improve the quality of your
life. If you have issues that are interfering with your happiness or creating barriers to achieving your goals we are here to help. We have therapists who can treat a wide range of conditions such as depression, anxiety, stress, addiction, bereavement, obsessions and compulsions, eating, sleeping, anger, grief, self-esteem, family management, trauma, psychosis, post-traumatic stress and many more. We have healthcare professionals who can help in the specialist areas of psychosexual and relationship issues, LGBT matters, body dysmorphic disorder, mental health issues with diabetes/chronic physical health conditions such as medically unexplained symptoms, pain and many others.

General Information

When is Dr-Julian NOT right for me?

If you are in an emergency or severe crisis situation, you should call 999 or your crisis team if you have one. If you are undergoing an acute psychosis, or you have a severe mental illness and are experiencing a relapse that is being managed by specialist teams outside of Dr-Julian.

General Information

How do I know if I need therapy?

Therapy is suitable for, and can be beneficial to, anyone who is in need of talking to someone. People who need therapy come from a wide range of situations and backgrounds, and they have a wide variety of difficulties. No problem is too small for therapy. If you are feeling stressed, experiencing a challenge you would like help with overcoming, or if you just want to have a chat with someone and get something off your chest, then therapy could be right for you.

General Information

What sort of therapy do you offer?

Finding the right therapist and the correct type of therapy to match your needs is the most important element when choosing a therapy service. Depending on your individual needs, we have a wide variety of therapists offering multiple therapy types. Please see our therapies page for more information. You can filter our therapists by your needs, including language, therapy type, issue you need help with, and date/time. This helps you to find the right therapist for your needs.

General Information

Are all therapies the same?

Not all therapies are the same, but they do have similarities. All therapies should make you feel that you are supported and help you to make sense of your individual circumstances. By the end of any therapy, you should feel that you are better equipped to cope with the future.

Each type of therapy is designed to help a different set of needs, so therapies will differ from each other in certain ways. Psychodynamic therapy concentrates on talking about your past, whereas other therapies may choose to focus on the present or even the future. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) often involves ‘homework’ for you to do. Some therapies, like mindfulness therapy, are more spiritual.

Please see the therapies page on our web site for more information.

General Information

How many people get counselling/therapy?

There are currently no statistics available on how many people receive therapy in the UK. However, it is clear that a growing number of people are seeking therapy. Research shows that 1 in 4 British adults will suffer with a mental health problem at some stage in their life, so it is increasingly common to experience some sort of difficulty that can be helped by therapy. In the past year more than 1.4 Million people have been referred for counselling by the NHS alone.

General Information

Are Dr-Julian therapists professionally qualified?

We have a strict recruitment policy for our therapists. Every therapist is carefully selected and interviewed by Dr-Julian. They are all highly experienced with a minimum of 2 years clinical experience and they must provide evidence of counselling therapy or psychotherapy qualifications to diploma level or higher for masters and doctorate level therapists. They must also have up-to-date professional indemnity insurance and an up to date CRB check. All our therapists also have either had or are having online training. All Dr-Julian therapists are carefully selected by Dr-Julian using a robust and stringent recruitment process. Therapists are all highly experienced with a minimum of 2 years post qualification clinical experience. All Dr-Julian therapists are insured and have an up-to-date DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check. All our therapists are trained in risk assessment, risk management and equality, diversity and inclusion.

General Information

Can I use this service even if I am not based in the UK?

Yes. Our service operates internationally as required.

General Information

How old do you need to be to have therapy with Dr-Julian?

Dr-Julian is suitable for people 12 years of age or older. If you are under 16 you will be matched with a therapist who has specialist qualifications and training in working with Children and Young People.

Gen

What is the Dr-Julian Platform?

Dr-Julian is an innovative mental health and well-being platform that aims to increase accessibility to mental healthcare in the UK. We connect you to mental healthcare professionals, including psychotherapists, counsellors and psychologists, by secure video/audio/text link from the comfort of your computer/ tablet or phone or face to face. Our platform lets you book appointments with a variety of therapists and filter who you would like to see via language/therapy type/problem/availability.

Is Dr-Julian right for me?

Dr-Julian may be the right solution for you if you would like to improve the quality of your
life. If you have issues that are interfering with your happiness or creating barriers to achieving your goals we are here to help. We have therapists who can treat a wide range of conditions such as depression, anxiety, stress, addiction, bereavement, obsessions and compulsions, eating, sleeping, anger, grief, self-esteem, family management, trauma, psychosis, post-traumatic stress and many more. We have healthcare professionals who can help in the specialist areas of psychosexual and relationship issues, LGBT matters, body dysmorphic disorder, mental health issues with diabetes/chronic physical health conditions such as medically unexplained symptoms, pain and many others.

When is Dr-Julian NOT right for me?

If you are in an emergency or severe crisis situation, you should call 999 or your crisis team if you have one. If you are undergoing an acute psychosis, or you have a severe mental illness and are experiencing a relapse that is being managed by specialist teams outside of Dr-Julian.

How do I know if I need therapy?

Therapy is suitable for, and can be beneficial to, anyone who is in need of talking to someone. People who need therapy come from a wide range of situations and backgrounds, and they have a wide variety of difficulties. No problem is too small for therapy. If you are feeling stressed, experiencing a challenge you would like help with overcoming, or if you just want to have a chat with someone and get something off your chest, then therapy could be right for you.

What sort of therapy do you offer?

Finding the right therapist and the correct type of therapy to match your needs is the most important element when choosing a therapy service. Depending on your individual needs, we have a wide variety of therapists offering multiple therapy types. Please see our therapies page for more information. You can filter our therapists by your needs, including language, therapy type, issue you need help with, and date/time. This helps you to find the right therapist for your needs.

Are all therapies the same?

Not all therapies are the same, but they do have similarities. All therapies should make you feel that you are supported and help you to make sense of your individual circumstances. By the end of any therapy, you should feel that you are better equipped to cope with the future.

Each type of therapy is designed to help a different set of needs, so therapies will differ from each other in certain ways. Psychodynamic therapy concentrates on talking about your past, whereas other therapies may choose to focus on the present or even the future. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) often involves ‘homework’ for you to do. Some therapies, like mindfulness therapy, are more spiritual.

Please see the therapies page on our web site for more information.

How many people get counselling/therapy?

There are currently no statistics available on how many people receive therapy in the UK. However, it is clear that a growing number of people are seeking therapy. Research shows that 1 in 4 British adults will suffer with a mental health problem at some stage in their life, so it is increasingly common to experience some sort of difficulty that can be helped by therapy. In the past year more than 1.4 Million people have been referred for counselling by the NHS alone.

Are Dr-Julian therapists professionally qualified?

We have a strict recruitment policy for our therapists. Every therapist is carefully selected and interviewed by Dr-Julian. They are all highly experienced with a minimum of 2 years clinical experience and they must provide evidence of counselling therapy or psychotherapy qualifications to diploma level or higher for masters and doctorate level therapists. They must also have up-to-date professional indemnity insurance and an up to date CRB check. All our therapists also have either had or are having online training. All Dr-Julian therapists are carefully selected by Dr-Julian using a robust and stringent recruitment process. Therapists are all highly experienced with a minimum of 2 years post qualification clinical experience. All Dr-Julian therapists are insured and have an up-to-date DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check. All our therapists are trained in risk assessment, risk management and equality, diversity and inclusion.

Can I use this service even if I am not based in the UK?

Yes. Our service operates internationally as required.

How old do you need to be to have therapy with Dr-Julian?

Dr-Julian is suitable for people 12 years of age or older. If you are under 16 you will be matched with a therapist who has specialist qualifications and training in working with Children and Young People.

Technical Requirements and Accessibility

What happens if your video technology fails due to connectivity issues?

In the event that you or your therapist lose internet connectivity during your appointment, please remain logged in and on the appointment screen and your therapist will re-join once the connection is restored. Alternatively, you can end the appointment and remain logged in and your therapist will continue to call you back for the duration of your appointment.

Technical Requirements and Accessibility

What is the best way to have a Dr-Julian video appointment?

To ensure your appointment goes as smoothly as possible, there are a few things you need to do to prepare. We have created a checklist below to help you get ready for your session.

1. If you would like to prepare some notes on what you would like to discuss during the session, this can help some people.

2. Before your first appointment, please make sure you have completed your registration and provide any additional information requested under your personal profiles.

3. You will need to have a good Internet connection, WIFI or 4G (3G may cause interruption in the video link). Please see FAQ “ What Technology do I need to connect to Dr-Julian? ” for more information.

4. If you get cut off for whatever reason and are using the Apple iOS App your therapist will call you back as soon as they can so please remain logged into the app. If using the web site remain logged in to your account and the therapist will call you back or if it is an internet issue you will be reconnected automatically when it resolves itself.

5. Many people find using earphones or a headset makes it easier to hear and more private, so you may wish to have these to hand.

6. Ensure that you are logged into the Dr-Julian platform or mobile app on your Laptop/Desktop/iPhone/ iPad/ iPod touch several minutes before your appointment start time (we recommend 10 minutes).

7. If using the Apple iOS app you will need to allow the Dr-Julian app to to send push notifications to your device and enable the app to access to the camera and microphone. If you have an iPhone or similar device you can do this in “Settings” > “Dr-Julian” > “Notifications” > “Allow Notifications”.

8. If using a phone/ tablet please secure or rest your iPhone/iPad/iPod against something in an upright portrait mode so you don’t get tired holding it steady during the session. Please also make sure it is approximately one arm's length away so you and your therapist can see each other clearly.

9. Your therapist will contact you at your appointment start time by calling you through the Dr-Julian platform , however, it is possible there may be a few minutes delay so please remain online.

Technical Requirements and Accessibility

How do I check my Video and Voice are Working?

When having your appointment on a Computer. When you are logged in to the website, using the menu in the top left-hand corner of your dashboard click on the ‘My Appointments” page. In the top right-hand corner of the Appointments calendar you will see a button called “Test camera”. Click on this and it will enable you to check that both camera and microphone are working.

Technical Requirements and Accessibility

What are the Minimum Technical Requirements to use Dr-Julian?

In order to be able to have Video and Audio appointments you will be required to have a working Webcam and Microphone on your device. For the best possible experience please ensure you are using the latest version of one of the following internet browsers on your device. Google Chrome - Download Now Internet Explorer - Download Now Microsoft Edge - Download Now Mozilla Firefox - Download Now Safari - Download Now.

Technical Requirements and Accessibility

What technology do I need to connect to Dr-Julian?

We currently offer our service via conventional internet or through a smartphone using 4G. Using conventional internet , you can access Dr-Julian Platform via a free web app app.dr-julian.com . This can be used on all computers/ tablets and phones. The best way to access it is via Google Chrome. You can have appointments, and do assessments and appointment bookings via this link. You can use the Dr-Julian smartphone app for your appointment, but you’ll need to access the Dr-Julian web platform app.dr-julian.com to do your assessments and book your appointments. These downloadable apps are used for the appointment if using a phone/tablet for your appointment. PLEASE NOTE the web app will not work for your appointment on a phone/tablet so you will need to use the downloadable apps from the:

to have your appointment.

Appointments can be undertaken on most Laptops, desktop computers, smartphones, and tablets with webcam and microphone. If connecting using WiFi to ensure you have the best possible experience, we recommend that you check you have a good internet connection. You can test your internet speed by clicking here

The recommended minimum internet speeds are as follows :

Download: 3.5mbps

Upload 1.5mbps

if your speed test shows slower speeds than this, we recommend checking that no other devices (Eg. TV’s, Tablets, Laptops and other media devices) are using your internet connection. This will ensure you have the full available speed for your appointment. It is also a good idea to check that your device is not downloading any files during the appointment, this can include but is not limited to Windows updates, Movie or Music downloads or streaming for example Netflix and YouTube. If your internet speed does not meet our platform's minimum requirement it will be necessary to conduct your appointment using another source. If this is the case, please notify your therapist using the “Send Message” button from the therapist profile on the website as soon as you can before the appointment and they will arrange it for you. If connecting using a Mobile Phone network you will need a minimum of 3 bars signal strength.

Technical Requirements and Accessibility

What accessibility options can I use with the Dr-Julian platform?

Windows and Apple Laptop / desktop computers have built in accessibility features which can be used to change the screen size and / or screen display to help users, please see the below links for support in using these features. Apple Accessibility : Window Accessibility

What happens if your video technology fails due to connectivity issues?

In the event that you or your therapist lose internet connectivity during your appointment, please remain logged in and on the appointment screen and your therapist will re-join once the connection is restored. Alternatively, you can end the appointment and remain logged in and your therapist will continue to call you back for the duration of your appointment.

What is the best way to have a Dr-Julian video appointment?

To ensure your appointment goes as smoothly as possible, there are a few things you need to do to prepare. We have created a checklist below to help you get ready for your session.

1. If you would like to prepare some notes on what you would like to discuss during the session, this can help some people.

2. Before your first appointment, please make sure you have completed your registration and provide any additional information requested under your personal profiles.

3. You will need to have a good Internet connection, WIFI or 4G (3G may cause interruption in the video link). Please see FAQ “ What Technology do I need to connect to Dr-Julian? ” for more information.

4. If you get cut off for whatever reason and are using the Apple iOS App your therapist will call you back as soon as they can so please remain logged into the app. If using the web site remain logged in to your account and the therapist will call you back or if it is an internet issue you will be reconnected automatically when it resolves itself.

5. Many people find using earphones or a headset makes it easier to hear and more private, so you may wish to have these to hand.

6. Ensure that you are logged into the Dr-Julian platform or mobile app on your Laptop/Desktop/iPhone/ iPad/ iPod touch several minutes before your appointment start time (we recommend 10 minutes).

7. If using the Apple iOS app you will need to allow the Dr-Julian app to to send push notifications to your device and enable the app to access to the camera and microphone. If you have an iPhone or similar device you can do this in “Settings” > “Dr-Julian” > “Notifications” > “Allow Notifications”.

8. If using a phone/ tablet please secure or rest your iPhone/iPad/iPod against something in an upright portrait mode so you don’t get tired holding it steady during the session. Please also make sure it is approximately one arm's length away so you and your therapist can see each other clearly.

9. Your therapist will contact you at your appointment start time by calling you through the Dr-Julian platform , however, it is possible there may be a few minutes delay so please remain online.

How do I check my Video and Voice are Working?

When having your appointment on a Computer. When you are logged in to the website, using the menu in the top left-hand corner of your dashboard click on the ‘My Appointments” page. In the top right-hand corner of the Appointments calendar you will see a button called “Test camera”. Click on this and it will enable you to check that both camera and microphone are working.

What are the Minimum Technical Requirements to use Dr-Julian?

In order to be able to have Video and Audio appointments you will be required to have a working Webcam and Microphone on your device. For the best possible experience please ensure you are using the latest version of one of the following internet browsers on your device. Google Chrome - Download Now Internet Explorer - Download Now Microsoft Edge - Download Now Mozilla Firefox - Download Now Safari - Download Now.

What technology do I need to connect to Dr-Julian?

We currently offer our service via conventional internet or through a smartphone using 4G. Using conventional internet , you can access Dr-Julian Platform via a free web app app.dr-julian.com . This can be used on all computers/ tablets and phones. The best way to access it is via Google Chrome. You can have appointments, and do assessments and appointment bookings via this link. You can use the Dr-Julian smartphone app for your appointment, but you’ll need to access the Dr-Julian web platform app.dr-julian.com to do your assessments and book your appointments. These downloadable apps are used for the appointment if using a phone/tablet for your appointment. PLEASE NOTE the web app will not work for your appointment on a phone/tablet so you will need to use the downloadable apps from the:

to have your appointment.

Appointments can be undertaken on most Laptops, desktop computers, smartphones, and tablets with webcam and microphone. If connecting using WiFi to ensure you have the best possible experience, we recommend that you check you have a good internet connection. You can test your internet speed by clicking here

The recommended minimum internet speeds are as follows :

Download: 3.5mbps

Upload 1.5mbps

if your speed test shows slower speeds than this, we recommend checking that no other devices (Eg. TV’s, Tablets, Laptops and other media devices) are using your internet connection. This will ensure you have the full available speed for your appointment. It is also a good idea to check that your device is not downloading any files during the appointment, this can include but is not limited to Windows updates, Movie or Music downloads or streaming for example Netflix and YouTube. If your internet speed does not meet our platform's minimum requirement it will be necessary to conduct your appointment using another source. If this is the case, please notify your therapist using the “Send Message” button from the therapist profile on the website as soon as you can before the appointment and they will arrange it for you. If connecting using a Mobile Phone network you will need a minimum of 3 bars signal strength.

What accessibility options can I use with the Dr-Julian platform?

Windows and Apple Laptop / desktop computers have built in accessibility features which can be used to change the screen size and / or screen display to help users, please see the below links for support in using these features. Apple Accessibility : Window Accessibility

Appointments

How do I have my appointment?

A few minutes before your appointment time please log into your web app (if using a computer), Android or Apple app (if using phone or tablet). If on the Android or Apple apps a push notification will come through which you must click to enter into the call when your therapist phones you. If using the web app on a laptop/computer via your browser a notification will come through when your therapist rings. Alternatively a green phone symbol will appear on your dashboard under the My Appointments section. You can click this when it appears which will allow you to enter the appointment with your therapist. If you have any issues connecting please contact your therapist via their email/ message me button on their profile.

Appointments

I completed my NHS-funded treatment but would like to continue privately. How can I arrange this?

To continue your treatment privately, you can register with a different email address on our platform for self-funded sessions.

Appointments

Do you offer translation services?

Many of our therapists offer sessions in various languages, which you can filter for when booking your first appointment. If you can’t find a therapist who offers sessions in your preferred language, please contact our switchboard or email us at admin@dr-julian.com, and we’ll do our best to match you with someone suitable. Please note that we do not provide translation or interpreter services.

Appointments

Why am I not seeing any available appointment options when searching?

If no appointment options appear, it may be due to a lack of availability matching your criteria. Try adjusting your search by selecting different times or broadening your availability. Our system is live, and new appointments are frequently added, so availability can change throughout the day. If you still can’t find a suitable time, please contact us with your preferred days and times at admin@dr-julian.com or reply to your welcome email, and we’ll assist you in booking an appointment.

Appointments

What are the earliest and latest appointment times available?

We offer appointments from 7am to 10pm, seven days a week, including Bank Holidays, Easter, Christmas, and New Year, thanks to our team of both full-time and part-time therapists.

Appointments

How can I resume therapy after being discharged?

If you wish to resume therapy after being discharged, please contact your mental health care provider or referring Trust. They will discuss your situation and, if appropriate, can re-refer you to our service for additional sessions. Typically, a period of consolidation is recommended after discharge, where you apply what you've learned in therapy before re-engaging with our services.

Appointments

How do I select a suitable therapist for my needs?

The Dr-Julian platform allows you to choose a therapist based on your preferences. You can filter for days, times, languages and much more. You are free to click on therapist profiles, read their biographies, and decide if the therapist is right for you before committing to an appointment. You can also contact the therapist directly if you have any questions. If you are uncertain about selecting the right therapist our Dr-Julian Customer Success Team can help you to find an appointment that best suits your needs and requirements.

Appointments

How do text appointments work?

This is only available when using the Dr-Julian website or the Dr-Julian Android appointment app. Text appointments enable you to chat directly with your therapist in writing for the duration of your appointment time, a copy of the chat transcript will then be saved in your ‘My Text appointments and Messages’ section of your dashboard.

This will be similar to using text messaging on your mobile device with your therapist providing instant responses exclusively with you. Our therapists do not conduct multiple text appointments at the same time so you will have their full attention.

Appointments

What happens if my therapist does not confirm my appointment?

Once your appointment is scheduled, it will be automatically confirmed, and you'll receive an email notification with all the details.

Appointments

What happens if my therapist cancels my appointment?

In the unfortunate event that your therapist has to cancel an appointment, you will be notified as soon as possible by email. Your appointment record will be updated on the dashboard of your personal Dr-Julian account to show the cancellation within “My Appointments”. Your account will be credited with an appointment credit that allows you to book another appointment with the same therapist but only by using the Dr-Julian website. If you require a refund, please email us at info@dr-julian.com

Appointments

Do I get appointment reminders?

Yes, 30 minutes before your appointment is due to start you will receive a reminder email together with instructions on how to have your appointment.

Appointments

How do I book an appointment?

Appointments

What are the benefits of video online therapy?

With traditional therapy from organisations like the NHS, a therapist is allocated to you or you are assigned to a long waiting list. When you use Dr-Julian, either as a private, NHS, or corporate patient, you have the freedom to choose from a wide range of specialists who can see you quickly and without the need to add the stresses of travel and parking.

Perhaps more importantly you can have your appointment in the comfort of a location of your choosing including your home. You can also continue to have your therapy whilst travelling on business or whilst on holiday. You can also have your therapy session at any time of the day including evenings and weekends (subject to your therapist's availability) – perfect for those with a busy work schedule.

Appointments

Is video online therapy effective?

Video online therapy has been proven to work just as well, and in some cases, better, than traditional face-to-face therapy. Large review articles such as ‘Usefulness of telepsychiatry: A Critical evaluation of videoconferencing-based approaches. Charkrabarti (2015)’ have shown equivalent clinical effectiveness in over 200 trials at the highest levels of medical evidence. Patient satisfaction was frequently reported as higher in the online therapy groups.

Appointments

Is there a set amount of sessions that would be most beneficial?

The number of sessions you have will depend on your personal situation and the type of therapy you choose to receive. Your therapist will discuss this with you. Many people will need between six and eight sessions for a course of CBT therapy. Other therapies may require fewer or more sessions. You can end your course of therapy whenever you feel it is necessary, but it is strongly encouraged that you discuss your wish to end your therapy sessions with your therapist first so you can bring matters to a satisfactory closure.

Appointments

How often do I need to see my therapist?

The frequency of sessions will depend on the therapy type and your personal needs. Your therapist will discuss with you how often they believe you should have a session in order to receive the maximum benefit. Usually, sessions are once a week but these can be flexible to accommodate your needs.

Appointments

How do I book repeat and/or regular appointments?

If you want to book a further appointment with your therapist, you can agree on a date and time for a future appointment with them during your appointment. They will then update their availability on the web app to make that time available to you, and at the end of your appointment, you must book and pay for that time slot immediately to secure it. You may book multiple appointment slots at the same time on the Web App by selecting several appointments before proceeding to payment.

We recommend booking your next appointment in the last 5 minutes of your current appointment so that your therapist can upload a suitable time slot and you can then book this to prevent someone else booking. To do this all you need to do is to open a new tab on your browser and log into the platform again (obviously leaving open the session with your therapist) to allow you to book another appointment whilst in your current appointment.

Appointments

What happens if my appointment over-runs?

For one hour appointments your therapist is committing an hour to you. This allows for no less than 50 minutes of contact time (providing you start your appointment on time) and 10 minutes of admin and note writing time for your therapist. Notes form an important part of your medical record for future appointments. If for whatever reason your contact time exceeds 50 minutes you will not be charged but it cannot exceed 60 minutes. For appointments that are 30 minutes this would break down to no less than 25 minutes of contact time and 5 minutes of note writing/ administration time.

Appointments

How do I select a suitable therapist for my needs?

All of our therapists are trained to deal with the most common issues. On our Web App, we are able to match you to the most appropriate therapist for your issue. You do this by using the filters. You can filter by language, therapy type, and issue you need help with as well as date and time. When clicking on a therapist you can read their biography and qualifications before booking any appointments. The biography will also outline their specialisms, experiences, and any particular areas of expertise.

We recommend, if you are not sure about selecting the right therapist for you, that you message your chosen therapist before booking an appointment by clicking the “message” button on their profile. On the iOS app we are unable to match you using filters and you can only read the therapists biography and select a date for the therapists that are available on that date.

If you are still uncertain about selecting the right therapist we can assist you in selecting a suitable therapist for your needs. We offer a 30 minute appointment for £40 with one of our most experienced therapists, who will explore your needs and suggest three therapists that meet your requirements from which to choose. Please email us if you require this help to info@dr-julian.com .

You can find a lot of information about the different issues and therapies available on our website. If you have a special requirement that is not covered, please email info@dr-julian.com and we will endeavour to assist you.

Appointments

How long is my appointment?

Appointments on the Dr-Julian platform normally scheduled for one hour. This includes a minimum of 50 minutes of talking time with your healthcare professional and 10 minutes for the professional to record the notes from your appointment. We may at times have appointments of different durations such as 30 minutes, with pro-rata talking time, but the length of the appointment and price will always be visible when you book an appointment.

Appointments

What are the Free Assessments?

Our Free Assessments use standard and validated questionnaires used within the NHS for assessing Depression, Anxiety and other conditions such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. These questionnaires assess the severity of these conditions. If you use our Web App and register for a secure free account you will be able to store these assessment results and track your condition over time

How do I have my appointment?

A few minutes before your appointment time please log into your web app (if using a computer), Android or Apple app (if using phone or tablet). If on the Android or Apple apps a push notification will come through which you must click to enter into the call when your therapist phones you. If using the web app on a laptop/computer via your browser a notification will come through when your therapist rings. Alternatively a green phone symbol will appear on your dashboard under the My Appointments section. You can click this when it appears which will allow you to enter the appointment with your therapist. If you have any issues connecting please contact your therapist via their email/ message me button on their profile.

I completed my NHS-funded treatment but would like to continue privately. How can I arrange this?

To continue your treatment privately, you can register with a different email address on our platform for self-funded sessions.

Do you offer translation services?

Many of our therapists offer sessions in various languages, which you can filter for when booking your first appointment. If you can’t find a therapist who offers sessions in your preferred language, please contact our switchboard or email us at admin@dr-julian.com, and we’ll do our best to match you with someone suitable. Please note that we do not provide translation or interpreter services.

Why am I not seeing any available appointment options when searching?

If no appointment options appear, it may be due to a lack of availability matching your criteria. Try adjusting your search by selecting different times or broadening your availability. Our system is live, and new appointments are frequently added, so availability can change throughout the day. If you still can’t find a suitable time, please contact us with your preferred days and times at admin@dr-julian.com or reply to your welcome email, and we’ll assist you in booking an appointment.

What are the earliest and latest appointment times available?

We offer appointments from 7am to 10pm, seven days a week, including Bank Holidays, Easter, Christmas, and New Year, thanks to our team of both full-time and part-time therapists.

How can I resume therapy after being discharged?

If you wish to resume therapy after being discharged, please contact your mental health care provider or referring Trust. They will discuss your situation and, if appropriate, can re-refer you to our service for additional sessions. Typically, a period of consolidation is recommended after discharge, where you apply what you've learned in therapy before re-engaging with our services.

How do I select a suitable therapist for my needs?

The Dr-Julian platform allows you to choose a therapist based on your preferences. You can filter for days, times, languages and much more. You are free to click on therapist profiles, read their biographies, and decide if the therapist is right for you before committing to an appointment. You can also contact the therapist directly if you have any questions. If you are uncertain about selecting the right therapist our Dr-Julian Customer Success Team can help you to find an appointment that best suits your needs and requirements.

How do text appointments work?

This is only available when using the Dr-Julian website or the Dr-Julian Android appointment app. Text appointments enable you to chat directly with your therapist in writing for the duration of your appointment time, a copy of the chat transcript will then be saved in your ‘My Text appointments and Messages’ section of your dashboard.

This will be similar to using text messaging on your mobile device with your therapist providing instant responses exclusively with you. Our therapists do not conduct multiple text appointments at the same time so you will have their full attention.

What happens if my therapist does not confirm my appointment?

Once your appointment is scheduled, it will be automatically confirmed, and you'll receive an email notification with all the details.

What happens if my therapist cancels my appointment?

In the unfortunate event that your therapist has to cancel an appointment, you will be notified as soon as possible by email. Your appointment record will be updated on the dashboard of your personal Dr-Julian account to show the cancellation within “My Appointments”. Your account will be credited with an appointment credit that allows you to book another appointment with the same therapist but only by using the Dr-Julian website. If you require a refund, please email us at info@dr-julian.com

Do I get appointment reminders?

Yes, 30 minutes before your appointment is due to start you will receive a reminder email together with instructions on how to have your appointment.

How do I book an appointment?

What are the benefits of video online therapy?

With traditional therapy from organisations like the NHS, a therapist is allocated to you or you are assigned to a long waiting list. When you use Dr-Julian, either as a private, NHS, or corporate patient, you have the freedom to choose from a wide range of specialists who can see you quickly and without the need to add the stresses of travel and parking.

Perhaps more importantly you can have your appointment in the comfort of a location of your choosing including your home. You can also continue to have your therapy whilst travelling on business or whilst on holiday. You can also have your therapy session at any time of the day including evenings and weekends (subject to your therapist's availability) – perfect for those with a busy work schedule.

Is video online therapy effective?

Video online therapy has been proven to work just as well, and in some cases, better, than traditional face-to-face therapy. Large review articles such as ‘Usefulness of telepsychiatry: A Critical evaluation of videoconferencing-based approaches. Charkrabarti (2015)’ have shown equivalent clinical effectiveness in over 200 trials at the highest levels of medical evidence. Patient satisfaction was frequently reported as higher in the online therapy groups.

Is there a set amount of sessions that would be most beneficial?

The number of sessions you have will depend on your personal situation and the type of therapy you choose to receive. Your therapist will discuss this with you. Many people will need between six and eight sessions for a course of CBT therapy. Other therapies may require fewer or more sessions. You can end your course of therapy whenever you feel it is necessary, but it is strongly encouraged that you discuss your wish to end your therapy sessions with your therapist first so you can bring matters to a satisfactory closure.

How often do I need to see my therapist?

The frequency of sessions will depend on the therapy type and your personal needs. Your therapist will discuss with you how often they believe you should have a session in order to receive the maximum benefit. Usually, sessions are once a week but these can be flexible to accommodate your needs.

How do I book repeat and/or regular appointments?

If you want to book a further appointment with your therapist, you can agree on a date and time for a future appointment with them during your appointment. They will then update their availability on the web app to make that time available to you, and at the end of your appointment, you must book and pay for that time slot immediately to secure it. You may book multiple appointment slots at the same time on the Web App by selecting several appointments before proceeding to payment.

We recommend booking your next appointment in the last 5 minutes of your current appointment so that your therapist can upload a suitable time slot and you can then book this to prevent someone else booking. To do this all you need to do is to open a new tab on your browser and log into the platform again (obviously leaving open the session with your therapist) to allow you to book another appointment whilst in your current appointment.

What happens if my appointment over-runs?

For one hour appointments your therapist is committing an hour to you. This allows for no less than 50 minutes of contact time (providing you start your appointment on time) and 10 minutes of admin and note writing time for your therapist. Notes form an important part of your medical record for future appointments. If for whatever reason your contact time exceeds 50 minutes you will not be charged but it cannot exceed 60 minutes. For appointments that are 30 minutes this would break down to no less than 25 minutes of contact time and 5 minutes of note writing/ administration time.

How do I select a suitable therapist for my needs?

All of our therapists are trained to deal with the most common issues. On our Web App, we are able to match you to the most appropriate therapist for your issue. You do this by using the filters. You can filter by language, therapy type, and issue you need help with as well as date and time. When clicking on a therapist you can read their biography and qualifications before booking any appointments. The biography will also outline their specialisms, experiences, and any particular areas of expertise.

We recommend, if you are not sure about selecting the right therapist for you, that you message your chosen therapist before booking an appointment by clicking the “message” button on their profile. On the iOS app we are unable to match you using filters and you can only read the therapists biography and select a date for the therapists that are available on that date.

If you are still uncertain about selecting the right therapist we can assist you in selecting a suitable therapist for your needs. We offer a 30 minute appointment for £40 with one of our most experienced therapists, who will explore your needs and suggest three therapists that meet your requirements from which to choose. Please email us if you require this help to info@dr-julian.com .

You can find a lot of information about the different issues and therapies available on our website. If you have a special requirement that is not covered, please email info@dr-julian.com and we will endeavour to assist you.

How long is my appointment?

Appointments on the Dr-Julian platform normally scheduled for one hour. This includes a minimum of 50 minutes of talking time with your healthcare professional and 10 minutes for the professional to record the notes from your appointment. We may at times have appointments of different durations such as 30 minutes, with pro-rata talking time, but the length of the appointment and price will always be visible when you book an appointment.

What are the Free Assessments?

Our Free Assessments use standard and validated questionnaires used within the NHS for assessing Depression, Anxiety and other conditions such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. These questionnaires assess the severity of these conditions. If you use our Web App and register for a secure free account you will be able to store these assessment results and track your condition over time

Privacy and Security

Will my employer be told I have had an appointment?

No. We will not share any confidential information with your employer about your treatment and care. If you wish to provide proof to your employer about your engagement with Dr-Julian you can do so by downloading information from your platform view.

Privacy and Security

Are my appointments with the therapist confidential?

All the information that is discussed in an appointment with Dr-Julian is completely confidential between you and your therapist. Each therapist abides by their professional body’s ethical and confidentiality code. In exceptional circumstances, a therapist may need to share some information where there is a legal requirement to do so, or with another professional, such as your GP, for example if there is a serious risk of harm to yourself or to others. Your information will normally only be shared with your permission.


Your therapist will make clinical notes of your appointment. If you book an appointment with a different therapist, your clinical notes will be made available to your new therapist to assist with your ongoing treatment. If your treatment has been paid for directly or indirectly by the NHS, then your clinical notes and other information will be shared with them. Your notes may be reviewed confidentially by select qualified Dr-Julian professionals for auditing and quality
evaluation purposes. For further information please read our Privacy Notice.

Privacy and Security

Are my appointments recorded?

We do not record any therapy sessions. They are strictly confidential between you and your therapist. Notes will however be recorded about your session by your professional and details of text appointments will be stored in your account so you can access them at any time.

Privacy and Security

I’m worried about privacy?

Dr. Julian takes your privacy extremely seriously, and we have a detailed, privacy notice and cookie policy that complies with the Data protection Act 2018 and explains how we handle your data and your rights in relation to it. You can find these documents on our website. We do not record any of your appointments. We use SSL end-to-end encryption for your security. We do not keep any of your payment card details on our systems. If you choose to create an account, you will choose a secure password to access it. We are registered with the Data Protection Office (ICO) reference number: ZA201584.

Privacy and Security

Is Dr-Julian compliant for the NHS in terms of data security and governance?

Yes Dr-Julian meets the NHS’s strict regulations for its governance and data security. We are compliant with the NHS Data Protection Toolkit with organisational code (ODS): DVF

Will my employer be told I have had an appointment?

No. We will not share any confidential information with your employer about your treatment and care. If you wish to provide proof to your employer about your engagement with Dr-Julian you can do so by downloading information from your platform view.

Are my appointments with the therapist confidential?

All the information that is discussed in an appointment with Dr-Julian is completely confidential between you and your therapist. Each therapist abides by their professional body’s ethical and confidentiality code. In exceptional circumstances, a therapist may need to share some information where there is a legal requirement to do so, or with another professional, such as your GP, for example if there is a serious risk of harm to yourself or to others. Your information will normally only be shared with your permission.


Your therapist will make clinical notes of your appointment. If you book an appointment with a different therapist, your clinical notes will be made available to your new therapist to assist with your ongoing treatment. If your treatment has been paid for directly or indirectly by the NHS, then your clinical notes and other information will be shared with them. Your notes may be reviewed confidentially by select qualified Dr-Julian professionals for auditing and quality
evaluation purposes. For further information please read our Privacy Notice.

Are my appointments recorded?

We do not record any therapy sessions. They are strictly confidential between you and your therapist. Notes will however be recorded about your session by your professional and details of text appointments will be stored in your account so you can access them at any time.

I’m worried about privacy?

Dr. Julian takes your privacy extremely seriously, and we have a detailed, privacy notice and cookie policy that complies with the Data protection Act 2018 and explains how we handle your data and your rights in relation to it. You can find these documents on our website. We do not record any of your appointments. We use SSL end-to-end encryption for your security. We do not keep any of your payment card details on our systems. If you choose to create an account, you will choose a secure password to access it. We are registered with the Data Protection Office (ICO) reference number: ZA201584.

Is Dr-Julian compliant for the NHS in terms of data security and governance?

Yes Dr-Julian meets the NHS’s strict regulations for its governance and data security. We are compliant with the NHS Data Protection Toolkit with organisational code (ODS): DVF

Costs and Payments

What do I do if I am unhappy with the service I have received?

If you feel you have a complaint about the way your therapist is working with you, we recommend in the first instance that you try to resolve it with the therapist. If that doesn’t work, then the next stage would be for you to contact our Customer Success Team by calling the switchboard or emailing us at admin@dr-julian.com. Details of your complaint will then be passed to our Clinical Team for investigation. We will keep you updated regarding any next steps. If you wish to make a formal complaint, please email us at complaints@dr-julian.com. Your complaint will then be investigated, and you will be contacted regarding next steps and the outcome.

Costs and Payments

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept all major debit and credit cards, including American Express, Visa, and MasterCard. Your sensitive card details are encrypted using SSL (secure socket layer technology) before transmission to our secure payment service provider, Stripe. Your card details will never be stored on our servers.

Costs and Payments

When do I pay for my appointment?

When you book an appointment you will be asked to provide your card payment details; however, your payment will not normally be taken until the therapist has confirmed the appointment with you. The only exception is when your payment card provider does not permit delayed processing.

Costs and Payments

What does it cost?

If you are referred via the NHS or your company, your Appointments are free and provided for you. If you are paying privately, appointments cost either £60 or £100/ hour session. The cost depends on the level of experience and qualifications of the therapists. As a general guide £60 appointments are with post diploma/masters level therapists who have at least 2 years clinical experience, and £100 appointments are with post doctorate level clinical psychologists or highly specialist psychotherapists. In general using Dr-Julian you are getting better value as many therapists charge a higher rate for their own private practices.

What do I do if I am unhappy with the service I have received?

If you feel you have a complaint about the way your therapist is working with you, we recommend in the first instance that you try to resolve it with the therapist. If that doesn’t work, then the next stage would be for you to contact our Customer Success Team by calling the switchboard or emailing us at admin@dr-julian.com. Details of your complaint will then be passed to our Clinical Team for investigation. We will keep you updated regarding any next steps. If you wish to make a formal complaint, please email us at complaints@dr-julian.com. Your complaint will then be investigated, and you will be contacted regarding next steps and the outcome.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept all major debit and credit cards, including American Express, Visa, and MasterCard. Your sensitive card details are encrypted using SSL (secure socket layer technology) before transmission to our secure payment service provider, Stripe. Your card details will never be stored on our servers.

When do I pay for my appointment?

When you book an appointment you will be asked to provide your card payment details; however, your payment will not normally be taken until the therapist has confirmed the appointment with you. The only exception is when your payment card provider does not permit delayed processing.

What does it cost?

If you are referred via the NHS or your company, your Appointments are free and provided for you. If you are paying privately, appointments cost either £60 or £100/ hour session. The cost depends on the level of experience and qualifications of the therapists. As a general guide £60 appointments are with post diploma/masters level therapists who have at least 2 years clinical experience, and £100 appointments are with post doctorate level clinical psychologists or highly specialist psychotherapists. In general using Dr-Julian you are getting better value as many therapists charge a higher rate for their own private practices.

Support and Contact

How do you confirm my appointments?

When you request an appointment with a therapist it will be provisionally booked, and you will receive email confirmation. The therapist will then confirm the appointment, as soon as possible but in any case, within 24 hours. This will then be confirmed by an email which will provide further information about what you must do immediately prior to having your appointment.

Support and Contact

How do I register for an account?

You do not need to register for a Dr-Julian account as one is created for you when you are referred into our service. Upon referral you will receive an automated email from us, with instructions on how to access your account and book your first session. Please follow the instructions in the welcome email to confirm your email address and reset your password. There is a link within the email that you can click to go through this process which will generate an email to your inbox with a confirmation link in it. Please check your spam/ junk folders if you do not receive this. Once you’ve confirmed your email account you will be required to create your own password, and you will be able to log into your account. You can access your account by visiting our website on a PC/ laptop or by downloading our app onto your smart device/ mobile phone. Please accept all the terms and conditions and grant permissions to allow access to your camera and microphone when prompted. If you experience any difficulties with this, please contact us by calling our switchboard or emailing us at admin@dr-julian.com and we can assist you with accessing your account and booking your first session.

Support and Contact

How do I contact you?

If you need any help, have any questions, or wish to report a concern, please contact info@dr-julian.com and we will respond within 1 working day.

How do you confirm my appointments?

When you request an appointment with a therapist it will be provisionally booked, and you will receive email confirmation. The therapist will then confirm the appointment, as soon as possible but in any case, within 24 hours. This will then be confirmed by an email which will provide further information about what you must do immediately prior to having your appointment.

How do I register for an account?

You do not need to register for a Dr-Julian account as one is created for you when you are referred into our service. Upon referral you will receive an automated email from us, with instructions on how to access your account and book your first session. Please follow the instructions in the welcome email to confirm your email address and reset your password. There is a link within the email that you can click to go through this process which will generate an email to your inbox with a confirmation link in it. Please check your spam/ junk folders if you do not receive this. Once you’ve confirmed your email account you will be required to create your own password, and you will be able to log into your account. You can access your account by visiting our website on a PC/ laptop or by downloading our app onto your smart device/ mobile phone. Please accept all the terms and conditions and grant permissions to allow access to your camera and microphone when prompted. If you experience any difficulties with this, please contact us by calling our switchboard or emailing us at admin@dr-julian.com and we can assist you with accessing your account and booking your first session.

How do I contact you?

If you need any help, have any questions, or wish to report a concern, please contact info@dr-julian.com and we will respond within 1 working day.

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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any questions, the answers are available below.

01

Is the Dr Julian Platform a Medical Device?

The Dr Julian platform is a Medical Device in relation to the assessments that you are requested to undertake as part of your therapy. As a consequence we are registered with.The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) as Class 1 Medical Device under reference 2020052001181139.

02

What accessibility options can I use with the Dr julian Platform?

Windows and Apple Laptop / desktop computers have built in accessibility features which can be used to change the screen size and / or screen display to help users, please see the below links for support in using these features.Apple AccessibilityWindows Accessibility

03

Is Dr Julian Compliant for the NHS in terms of data security and governance?

Yes Dr Julian meets the NHS’s strict regulations for its governance and data security. We are compliant with the NHS Data Protection Toolkit with organisational code (ODS): DVF

04

How to Contact Us?

If you have any issues or questions please email info@dr-julian.com and a member of our team will be in touch.

05

What is Dr Julian?

Dr Julian is an innovative mental health and wellbeing platform that aims to increase accessibility to mental healthcare in the UK. We connect you to mental healthcare professionals, including psychotherapists/counsellors/ psychologists, by secure video/audio/text link from your computer/ tablet or phone. Our platform lets you book appointments with a variety of therapists and filter who you would like to see via language/therapy type/issue/date and time.

06

Is Dr Julian Right for me?

Dr Julian may be the right solution for you if you would like to improve the quality of your life. If you have issues that are interfering with your happiness or creating barriers to achieving your goals we are here to help. We have therapists who can treat a wide range of conditions such as depression, anxiety, stress, addiction, bereavement, obsessions and compulsions, eating, sleeping, anger, grief, self-esteem, family management, trauma, psychosis post-traumatic stress and many more.We have healthcare professionals who can help in the specialist areas of psychosexual and relationship issues, LGBT matters, body dysmorphic disorder, mental health issues with diabetes/ chronic conditions such as medically unexplained symptoms, pain and many others.

07

When is Dr Julian NOT right for me?


If you are in an emergency or severe crisis situation - You should call 999 or your crisis team if you have one. You are undergoing an acute psychosis. You have a severe mental illness and you are going through a flare up of this that is being managed by specialist teams outside of Dr Julian.

08

What Technology do I need to connect to Dr Julian?


We currently offer our service via conventional internet or through a smart phone using 4G. Using conventional internet, you can access Dr Julian Platform via a free web app app.dr-julian.com. This can be used on all computers/ tablets and phones. The best way to access it is via Google Chrome. You can have appointments, and do assessments and appointment bookings via this link.You can use the Dr Julian smart phone app for your appointment but you’ll need to access the Dr Julian web platform app.dr-julian.com to do your assessments and book your appointments. These downloadable apps are used for the appointment if using a phone/tablet for your appointment. PLEASE NOTE the web app will not work for your appointment on a phone/tablet so you will need to use the downloadable apps from the:
Google Play Store  
Apple App Store
to have your appointment.

Appointments can be undertaken on most Laptops, Desktop computers, smartphones and tablets with a Webcam and Microphone. If connecting using WiFi to ensure you have the best possible experience, we recommend that you check you have a good internet connection. You can test your internet speed by clicking here.

The recommended minimum internet speeds are as follows :
Download: 3.5mbps
Upload 1.5mbps

If your Speed test shows slower speeds than this, we recommend checking that no other devices (Eg. TV’s, Tablets, Laptops and other media devices) are using your internet connection. This will ensure you have the full available speed for your appointment.It is also a good idea to check that your device is not downloading any files during the appointment, this can include but is not limited to Windows updates, Movie or Music downloads or streaming for example Netflix and YouTube. If your internet speed does not meet our platforms minimum requirement it will be necessary to conduct your appointment using another source. If this is the case, please notify your therapist using the “Send Message” button from the therapist profile on the website as soon as you can before the appointment and they will arrange it for you. If connecting using a Mobile Phone network you will need a minimum of 3 bars signal strength.

09

How do I have my appointment?

A few minutes before your appointment time please log into your web app (if using a computer), android or apple app (if using phone or tablet). If on the android or apple apps a push notification will come through which you must click to enter into the call when your therapist phones you.If using the web app on a laptop/computer via your browser a notification will come through when your therapist rings. Alternatively a green phone symbol will appear on your dashboard under the my appointments section. You can click this when it appears which will allow you to enter the appointment with your therapist. If you have any issues connecting please contact your therapist via their email/ message me button on their profile.

10

What are the Free Assessments?

Our Free Assessments use standard and validated questionnaires used within the NHS for assessing Depression, Anxiety and other conditions such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.These questionnaires assess the severity of these conditions. If you use our Web App and register for a secure free account you will be able to store these assessment results and track your condition over time

11

How long is my appointment?

Appointments on the Dr Julian platform normally scheduled for one hour. This includes a minimum of 50 minutes of talking time with your healthcare professional and 10 minutes for the professional to record the notes from your appointment. We may at times have appointments of different durations such as 30 minutes, with pro-rata talking time, but the length of the appointment and price will always be visible when you book an appointment.

12

What does it Cost?

If you are referred via the NHS or your Company your Appointments are free and provided for you.If you are paying privately appointments cost either £60 or £100/ hour session. The cost depends on the level of experience and qualifications of the therapists.As a general guide £60 appointments are with post diploma/masters level therapists who have at least 2 years clinical experience and £100 appointments are with post doctorate level clinical psychologists or highly specialist psychotherapists. In general using Dr Julian you are getting better value as many therapists charge a higher rate for their own private practices.

13

When do I pay for my Appointment?

When you book an appointment you will be asked to provide your card payment details however your payment will not normally be taken until the therapist has confirmed the appointment with you. The only exception is when your payment card provider does not permit delayed processing.

14

How do I select a suitable therapist for my needs?

All our therapists are trained to deal with the most common issues. On our Web App we are able to match you to the most appropriate therapist for your issue. You do this by using the filters. You can filter by language, therapy type and issue you need help with as well as date and time. When clicking on a therapist you can read their biography and qualifications before booking any appointments. The biography will also outline their specialisms, experience and any particular areas of expertise.

We recommend, if you are not sure about selecting the right therapist for you, that you message your chosen therapist before booking an appointment by clicking the “message” button on their profile. On the iOS app we are unable to match you using filters and you can only read the therapists biography and select a date for the therapists that are available on that date.

If you are still uncertain about selecting the right therapist we can assist you in selecting a suitable therapist for your needs. We offer a 30 minute appointment for £40 with one of our most experienced therapists who will explore your needs and suggest three therapists that meet your requirements from which to choose. Please email us if you require this help to info@dr-julian.com.

You can find a lot of information about the different issues and therapies available on our website. If you have a special requirement that is not covered please email info@dr-julian.com and we will endeavour to assist you.

15

What if none of the therapy time slots work for me?

If there are no time slots or particular therapists available with whom you would like to have an appointment, please message your chosen therapist by clicking the “message” button on the therapist’s profile. You will then be able to arrange a convenient time for both of you following which the therapist will upload that availability which you will then need to book. This feature is not available on the iOS Apple app.

16

I’m worried about privacy?

Dr Julian takes your privacy extremely seriously and we have a detailed, privacy notice and cookie policy that complies with the Data protection Act 2018 and explains how we handle your data and your rights in relation to it. You can find these documents on our website. We do not record any of your appointments.We use SSL end-to-end encryption for your security. We do not keep any of your payment card details on our systems. If you choose to create an account you will choose a secure password to access it. We are registered with the Data Protection Office (ICO) reference number: ZA201584.

17

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept all major debit and credit cards including American Express, Visa and MasterCard. Your sensitive card details are encrypted using SSL (secure sockets layer technology) before transmission to our secure payment service provider Stripe. Your card details will never be stored on our servers.

18

What happens if my appointment over-runs?

For one hour appointments your therapist is committing an hour to you. This allows for no less than 50 minutes of contact time (providing you start your appointment on time) and 10 minutes of admin and note writing time for your therapist. Notes form an important part of your medical record for future appointments. If for whatever reason your contact time exceeds 50 minutes you will not be charged but it cannot exceed 60 minutes. For appointments that are 30 minutes this would break down to no less than 25 minutes of contact time and 5 minutes of note writing/ administration time.

19

How do I book repeat and/or regular appointments?

If you want to book a further appointment with your therapist you can agree a date and time for a future appointment with them during your appointment. They will then update their availability on the web app to make that time available to you and at the end of your appointment you MUST book and pay for that time slot immediately to secure it. You may book multiple appointment slots at the same time on the Web App by selecting several appointments before proceeding to payment.

We recommend booking your next appointment in the last 5 minutes of your current appointment so that your therapist can upload a suitable time slot and you can then book this to prevent someone else booking. To do this all you need to do is to open a new tab on your browser and log into the platform again (obviously leaving open the session with your therapist) to allow you to book another appointment whilst in your current appointment

20

How often do I need to see my therapist?

The frequency of sessions will depend on the therapy you choose to receive as well as your personal needs. Your therapist will discuss with you how often they believe you should have a session in order to provide maximum benefit. In NHS IAPT services and for CBT it is recommended to have a session once a week.

21

Is there a set amount of sessions that would be most beneficial?

The number of sessions you have will depend on your personal situation and the type of therapy you choose to receive. Your therapist will discuss this with you. Many people will need between six and eight sessions for a course of CBT therapy. Other therapies may require fewer or more sessions. You can end your course of therapy whenever you feel it is necessary, but it is strongly encouraged that you discuss your wish to end your therapy sessions with your therapist first so you can bring matters to a satisfactory closure.

22

Are my appointments recorded?

We do not record any therapy sessions. They are strictly confidential between you and your therapist. Notes will however be recorded about your session by your professional and details of text appointments will be stored in your account so you can access them at any time.

23

Are my appointments with the therapist confidential?

All the information that is discussed in an appointment with Dr Julian is completely confidential between you and your therapist. Each therapist abides by their professional bodies ethical and confidentiality code. In exceptional circumstances a therapist may need to share some information where there is a legal requirement to do so or with another professional, such as your GP, for example or if there is a serious risk of harm to yourself or to others. Your information will normally only be shared with your permission.

Your therapist will make clinical notes of your appointment. If you were to book an appointment with a different therapist then your clinical notes will be made available to your new therapist to assist with your on-going treatment. If your treatment has been paid for directly or indirectly by the NHS then your clinical notes and other information will be shared with them.

Your notes may be reviewed confidentially by select qualified Dr Julian professionals for auditing and quality evaluation purposes.For further information please read our Privacy Notice which you can find on our website.

24

Will my employer be told I have had an appointment?

If your treatment has been paid for by your employer we will NOT share any information with them including the fact that you have had an appointment unless you have requested that we do so.

25

How do I know if I need therapy?

Therapy is suitable for and can be beneficial to anyone who is in need of talking to someone. People who need therapy come from a wide range of situations and backgrounds, and they have a wide variety of issues.

No problem is too small for therapy. If you are feeling stressed out, have a challenge you would like help with overcoming, or if you just want to have a chat with someone and get something off your chest, then therapy could be right for you.

26

Is video online therapy effective?

Video online therapy has been proven to work just as well, and in some cases better, than traditional, face-to-face therapy. Large review articles such as ‘Usefulness of telephsychiatry: A critical evaluation of videoconferencing-based approaches. Charkrabarti (2015)’ have shown equivalent clinical effectiveness in over 200 trials at the highest levels of medical evidence. Patient satisfaction was frequently reported as higher in the online therapy groups.

27

What are the benefits of video online therapy?

With traditional therapy from organisations like the NHS, a therapist is allocated to you or you are assigned to a long waiting list. When you use Dr Julian, either as a private, NHS or corporate patient you have the freedom to choose from a wide range of specialists who can see you quickly and without the need to add the stresses of travel and parking.

Perhaps more importantly you can have your appointment in the comfort of a location of your choosing including your home. You can also continue to have your therapy whilst travelling on business or whilst on holiday. You can also have your therapy session at any time of the day including evenings and weekends (subject to your therapist's availability) – perfect for those with a busy work schedule.

28

What sort of therapy do you offer?

Finding the right therapist and the correct type of therapy to match your needs is the most important element when choosing a therapy service. Depending on your individual needs, we have a wide variety of therapists offering multiple therapy types. Please see our therapies page for more information. You can filter our therapists by your needs including language, therapy type, issue you need help with and date/time. This helps you to find the right therapist for your needs.

29

Are all therapies the same?

Not all therapies are the same, but they do have similarities. All therapies should make you feel that you are supported and help you to make sense of your individual circumstances. By the end of any therapy, you should feel that you are better equipped to cope with the future.

Each type of therapy is designed to help a different set of needs, so therapies will differ from each other in certain ways. Psychodynamic therapy concentrates on talking about your past, whereas other therapies may choose to focus on the present or even the future. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) often involves ‘homework’ for you to do. Some therapies, like mindfulness therapy, are more spiritual.

Please see the therapies page on our web site for more information.

30

How many people get counselling/therapy?

There are currently no statistics available on how many people receive therapy in the UK. However, it is clear that a growing number of people are seeking therapy. Research shows that 1 in 4 British adults will suffer with a mental health problem at some stage in their life, so it is increasingly common to experience some sort of difficulty that can be helped by therapy.In the past year more than 1.4 Million people have been referred for counselling by the NHS alone.

31

Are Dr Julian Therapists professionally qualified?

We have a strict recruitment policy for our therapists. Every therapist is carefully selected and interviewed by Dr Julian. They are all highly experienced with a minimum of 2 years clinical experience and they must provide evidence of counselling therapy or psychotherapy qualifications to diploma level or higher for masters and doctorate level therapists. They must also have up-to-date professional indemnity insurance and an up to date CRB check. All our therapists also have either had or are having online training.

32

What if I am not happy with my first appointment?

If you are paying for your appointment and did not find the right therapist first time, we will offer you the opportunity to book a reduced price session with another therapist at the same price level. Email us at info@dr-julian.com with the details of your first session within 7 days of your initial appointment and we will refund you 25% of the second appointments price if it is booked within 14 days of your original appointment. The refund will be made after the second appointment has been completed.

32

What do I do if I am unhappy with the service I have received?

If you feel you have a complaint about the way your therapist is working with you, we would recommend in the first instance that you try to resolve it with the therapist themselves. If that doesn't work then the next stage would be for you to contact our Director of Psychotherapy Services at psychotherapydirector@dr-julian.com and send a short summary of the problem. The Director of Psychotherapy Services will meet with you online in an attempt to resolve the issue. Failing that, the last resort is for you to contact the Professional Membership body of your therapist and make a formal complaint at that level. All our therapists are members of a Professional Membership Body and this information is included within their profile.

33

Can I use this service even if I am not based in the UK?

Our service can be used from wherever you are in the world, the exception being, if you are a USA or Canadian citizen where, due to their laws, we are unable to work with clients located in those jurisdictions.The system will automatically update for the time zone you are in and match this with the therapists time zone.

34

How old do you need to be to have therapy with Dr Julian?

How old do you need to be to have therapy with Dr Julian? We currently only offer our service to those of 13 years of age or older. If under 18 a therapist with appropriate qualifications in Children and Young People must be selected (to filter for these please select it in the "Issues” filter) or the appointment will not be confirmed.

35

How do I Register for an Account?

You do not need to open an account and register with Dr Julian until such time as you are ready to book an appointment. When you are ready to book the Website will guide you through the simple process once you have selected your Therapist and appointment date/time.

If you wish to open an account in order to store any assessments you wish to take on a regular basis for monitoring purposes then you can do so at no cost. Please click on the Login/Register button and follow the Register tab instructions.

36

How do I book an Appointment?

Please click the relevant Link below:
Desktop or Laptop Computer
Apple iOS iPhone or iPad
Android Phone

37

Do I get Appointment Reminders?

Yes, 30 minutes before your appointment is due to start you will receive a reminder email together with instructions on how to have your appointment.

38

What happens if my Therapist Cancels the Appointment?

In the unfortunate event that your Therapist has to cancel an appointment you will be notified as soon as possible by email. Your appointment record will be updated on the dashboard of your personal Dr Julian account to show the cancellation within “My Appointments”. Your account will be credited with an appointment credit that allows you to book another appointment with the same therapist but only by using the Dr Julian website.If you require a refund, please email us at info@dr-julian.com.

39

What happens if my Therapist does not Confirm my Appointment?

In the unusual event that one of our Therapists is unable to confirm an appointment you will be notified by an email from Dr Julian together with an explanation from the Therapist. This could be for a number of reasons but probably because the Therapist does not believe they are the most suitable person to help you with your condition.

Once we are aware of the situation we will endeavour to find somebody appropriate to help you. If you do not hear from us within 48 hours, please email us at info@dr-julian.com. As we do not take payment until an appointment has been confirmed by our Therapists you should not have been charged. However, if you have been charged you will be issued a full refund.

40

How do Text appointments work?

This is only available when using the Dr Julian website or the Dr Julian Android appointment app. Text appointments enable you to chat directly with your Therapist in writing for the duration of your appointment time, a copy of the chat transcript will then be saved in your ‘My Text appointments and Messages’ section of your dashboard.

This will be similar to using text messaging on your mobile device with your Therapist providing instant responses exclusively with you. Our Therapists do not conduct multiple text appointments at the same time so you will have their full attention.

41

What are the Minimum Technical Requirements to use Dr Julian?

In order to be able to have Video and Audio appointments you will be required to have a working Webcam and Microphone on your device. For the best possible experience please ensure you are using the latest version of one of the following internet browsers on your device.Google Chrome - Download Now Internet Explorer - Download Now Microsoft Edge - Download Now Mozilla Firefox - Download Now Safari - Download Now.

42

How do I check my Video and Voice are Working?

When having your appointment on a Computer. When you are logged in to the website, using the menu in the top left-hand corner of your dashboard click on the ‘My Appointments” page. In the top right-hand corner of the Appointments calendar you will see a button called “Test camera”. Click on this and it will enable you to check that both camera and microphone are working.

43

What is the Best way to have a Dr Julian Video Appointment?

To ensure your appointment goes as smoothly as possible, there are a few things you need to do to prepare. We have created a checklist below to help you get ready for your session.

1. If you would like to prepare some notes on what you would like to discuss during the session, this can help some people.
2. Before your first appointment, please make sure you have completed your registration and provide any additional information requested under your personal profiles.
3. You will need to have a good Internet connection, WIFI or 4G (3G may cause interruption in the video link). Please see FAQ “What Technology do I need to connect to Dr Julian?” for more information.
4. If you get cut off for whatever reason and are using the Apple iOS App your therapist will call you back as soon as they can so please remain logged into the app. If using the web site remain logged in to your account and the therapist will call you back or if it is an internet issue you will be reconnected automatically when it resolves itself.
5. Many people find using earphones or a headset makes it easier to hear and more private, so you may wish to have these to hand.
6. Ensure that you are logged into the Dr Julian platform or mobile app on your Laptop/Desktop/iPhone/ iPad/ iPod touch several minutes before your appointment start time (we recommend 10 minutes).
7. If using the Apple iOS app you will need to allow the Dr Julian app to to send push notifications to your device and enable the app to access to the camera and microphone. If you have an iPhone or similar device you can do this in “Settings” > “Dr Julian” > “Notifications” > “Allow Notifications”.
8. If using a phone/ tablet please secure or rest your iPhone/iPad/iPod against something in an upright portrait mode so you don’t get tired holding it steady during the session. Please also make sure it is approximately one arm's length away so you and your therapist can see each other clearly.
9. Your therapist will contact you at your appointment start time by calling you through the Dr Julian platform, however, it is possible there may be a few minutes delay so please remain online.

44

What happens if your video technology fails due to connectivity issues?

In the event that you or your Therapist lose internet connectivity during your appointment, please remain logged in and on the appointment screen and your Therapist will re-join once the connection is restored. Alternatively, you can end the appointment and remain logged in and your Therapist will continue to call you back for the duration of your appointment.

45

How do you confirm my appointments?

When you request an appointment with a therapist it will be provisionally booked, and you will receive email confirmation. The therapist will then confirm the appointment, as soon as possible but in any case, within 24 hours. This will then be confirmed by an email which will provide further information about what you must do immediately prior to having your appointment.

46

How do I select a suitable therapist for my needs?

All our therapists are trained to deal with the most common issues. On our Web App we are able to match you to the most appropriate therapist for your issue. You do this by using the filters. You can filter by language, therapy type and issue you need help with as well as date and time.When clicking on a therapist you can read their biography and qualifications before booking any appointments. The biography will also outline their specialisms, experience and any particular areas of expertise.

We recommend, if you are not sure about selecting the right therapist for you, that you message your chosen therapist before booking an appointment by using the “Send Message” button on their profile. On the Apple iOS app we are unable to match you using filters and you can only read the therapists biography and select a date for the therapists that are available on that date.If you are still uncertain about selecting the right therapist we can assist you in selecting a suitable therapist for your needs.

We offer a 30 minute appointment for £40 with one of our most experienced therapists who will explore your needs and suggest three therapists that meet your requirements from which to choose. Please email us if you require this help to info@dr-julian.comYou can find a lot of information about all the different issues we treat and the therapies available on our website. If you have a special requirement that is not covered please email info@dr-julian.com and we will endeavour to assist you.

47

What is the Evidence for Online therapy and Dr Julian

Online therapy can be equally if not more effective than traditional face to face therapy. There are extensive clinical trials which have proven its effectiveness.

A Meta-Analysis of over 200 Randomised trials

Usefulness of tele psychiatry: A critical evaluation of videoconferencing-based approaches’ Chakrabarti S. (2015)

Concluded:

“Evidence indicates that videoconferencing-based tele psychiatry and therapy is no less effective than traditional face-to-face treatment”

“Treatment of depression delivered by videoconferencing is equivalent to face-to-face treatment on symptom reduction”

“In several instances video conferencing treatment has actually turned out to be superior to face-to-face treatment on depression outcomes”

“CBT may be particularly well suited to videoconferencing, because it is usually brief, more structured and less dependent on the therapeutic relationship”

“75-100% of the users reported considerable satisfaction with tele-psychiatric care”


Other trials include

Hulsbosch, A., et al.(2016). Videoconferencing in a mental health service in The Netherlands: A randomized controlled trial on patient satisfaction and clinical outcomes for outpatients with severe mental illness. Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare

Carlbring, P., Andersson, G., Cuijpers, P., Riper, H., & Hedman-Lagerlöf, E. (2018). Internet-based vs. face-to-face cognitive behavior therapy for psychiatric and somatic disorders: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, 47(1), 1-18. doi:10.1080/16506073.2017.1401115

Pslylyk-Colwell, E., Argaez, C. (2018). Telehealth for the assessment and treatment of depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and anxiety disorder

An independent evaluation and health economic analysis performed by the Kent Surrey and Sussex Academic Health Science Network has shown therapy with Dr Julian to be more effective then equivalent face to face NHS services with a:

-9.3% Increase in Reliable Recovery Rate
-17.3% Increase in Reliable Improvement Rate
-50% Fewer Dropouts
-50% Reduction in Did Not Attend Rates
- 1/3 Cheaper than equivalent NHS appointments
- NHS gets £2.83 back from every £1 spent

48

How and where is my data stored?

The Dr Julian Platform saves all your information to its secure database hosted on Amazons Web Services (AWS) in London (EU) In-line with best GDPR practices.

49

How secure is my data when being transferred between my device and the Dr Julian platform?

Your data is transmitted via our secure API which is encrypted end to end. The Dr Julian platform also utilises a “Secure Socket Layer” (SSL Certificate) using RSA encryption.

50

How do I manage my notification settings for security and privacy?

The Dr Julian platform and mobile applications use only one notification which is used to notify you when your Therapist calls you to begin your appointment. You can manage your notification preferences to avoid the notifications appearing on your device when using one of the Mobile apps by following the following guides:

iOS: https://support.apple.com/en-gb/guide/iphone/iph7c3d96bab/ios

Android: https://support.google.com/android/answer/9079661?hl=en-GB

If you disable notifications you will need to be logged in to the Dr Julian platform or mobile applications in order to be able to join your appointment when your therapist calls you.

The Dr Julian platform will only display the notification if you are logged in to the Dr Julian platform using a laptop or desktop computer and have it open on your screen.

51

What happens if there is a data security breach?

We have procedures in place to deal with any suspected data security breach. We will notify you and any applicable regulator of a suspected data breach where we are legally required to do so. We have clear policies for our staff on how to identify and respond to any breach and a separate Data Security Policy. We have insurance cover in relation to any breach.

52

Does Dr Julian sell or share its information with third parties?

Dr Julian does NOT share or sell any information with/to third parties. Details of who does have access to your information in relation to your treatment and management of our relationship is fully detailed in our Privacy Policy: https://dr-julian.com/privacy-cookie-policy/

53

Will my information be used for clinical research?

On occasion we may use fully anonymised information for research purposes. It will NOT be possible to identify you from this information. If you would prefer that we did not use your anonymised information then please email us at info@dr-julian.com to that effect.

54

For how long is my personal information held?

We retain your clinical record by reference to the IGA Records Management Code of Practice for Health and Social Care guidance for managing health records https://digital.nhs.uk/information-governance-alliance and to support our legal obligations to be accountable for your care. When the retention period detailed in the guidance expires we will delete all record of your relationship with us from our servers where it is securely stored.

55

How often is the content, advice and the assessments contained within the WebApp/Apps reviewed?

The content/advice is reviewed and updated as required at least annually by appropriately qualified members of the Dr Julian team. This includes the scoring and content of the assessments which you may complete as part of your treatment. We also update the content in response to any new developments relating to information we make available to you.

56

What is the Clinical Evidence behind the Anxiety and Depression Assessments that can be completed on the web site/webapp/apps?

These assessments have been fully validated in clinical trials. They are used extensively across the world for providing guidance in the diagnosis of the conditions and their severity. They are used within all NHS Mental Health Trusts as a standard requirement for completion by patients suffering from mental health conditions.

57

What is the Clinical Evidence behind the additional assessments that my therapist asks that I complete in relation to my specific issue?

These assessments have been fully validated in clinical trials. They are the standard assessments which patients with specific issues are required to complete in the NHS. They provide additional information that assists your therapist in delivering your therapy.

58

Do you comply with any International App Design Standards?

We are always working to make our website and web applications as accessible and usable as possible and our development team use the W3C, WCAG 2.0 and 2.1 principles in developing our website and web applications.

59

I have suggestions as to how the WebApp/Apps can be improved. Who should I write to?

We welcome user feedback and continuously seek to improve the performance of Dr Julian as a result of user experience. Following on from recent feedback we have incorporated the additional assessments which your therapist may ask you to complete within the Apps themselves and improved the reminders to complete assessments before an appointment. Please write to us at Julian@dr-julian.com with your suggestions.

60

Do you have an Accessibility Statement?

Yes, this can be found on our website: https://dr-julian.com/accessibilitystatement

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