Psychologist for PIP claim?

[Han1978]

Hi everyone I don’t know if this is posted in the right topic but I need some help!
I am in the process of trying to claim PIP for my husband who has autism and severe MH issues.
I was wondering if anyone could recommend a psychologist who could do an online assessment and write us a report.

I am almost there with it but need a professional to confirm difficulties in a few more areas.

thanks I’m advance .

Does he currently have any input for the severe mental health issues e.g. CPN, GP, social worker? Someone who knows him already might be able to help.

I could be wrong but I've never heard of someone getting a psychologist to do an assessment/report specifically for a PIP claim - this is likely to cost a lot of money (formal psychology reports can cost £1000 +) and not guarantee PIP is approved.

I think it has to be a NHS one if any to matter, rather than a paid for one but not 100% sure

GP isn’t interested. They have confirmed he is on the largest dose of anti D and is on suicide watch but the PIP assessor dismissed that as ‘you appeared fine in the assessment’ so has obv never heard of autistic masking.

ok that’s interesting so you think there isn’t really anyone who would specifically do that? He does have a full autism assessment but is 3 years out of date and he’s significantly worsened since then…

may need to have a re- think

our counsellor did a note for us but the assessors just dismissed everything she said as they used evidence from the old autism assessment to counter act everything. They really are a nightmare to deal with.

I would go back to the people at the nhs who did the assessment but I’ve got no idea who they were. I’ve asked him for the report or the names of people several times but he’s in such a state he just hasn’t given it to me. It’s a nightmare.

When you say suicide watch do you mean he's an inpatient?

If he is this unwell/at risk maybe the focus should be on getting him re-referred to secondary care for assessment and management of this risk rather than focussing on the PIP application.

The dose of antidepressant and suicidality isn't really what the PIP assessment looks at - many people take high doses of antidepressants.

The question is the impact on his condition on day to day life, including mobility, ability to feed himself, get around, communicate needs etc. Also if he needs regular outpatient appointments it can help with the cost of transport.

The other thing is that you can appeal PIP decisions - a lot of people get approved following their appeal.

Do a freedom of information act/his medical records with him signing it

If he has an autism diagnosis alongside all the other stuff you have described, keep going. It might be a long road, but they are pushing so many to appeal or tribunal.

Just had it where PIP assessor decided my very unwell Dad who has severe COPD and very limited mobility could walk over 200m with ease during a phone assessment. The assessors rationale? He heard a dog bark during the assessment and asked my dad if that was his dog. He said it was. That was it. No further discussion. Apparently owning a dog means that all his disabilities disappeared. No matter that both my parents are disabled and that little tiny dog is the light of their otherwise mostly housebound lives, and that the dog's exercise is shared everyday between a neighbour and family. It took over a year and a full tribunal before he was awarded a ten year claim and backdated. It was an evil process that affected my mental health too as I supported him through it. I burst into tears when the tribunal awarded it. So look after yourself too.

I work in this area. It definitely doesn’t have to be an nhs report.

The autism assessment report will be fine. Three years isn’t particularly old evidence. However, for the level of mental health need that you are claiming, they will expect to see current cmht involvement, medication offered even if not taken (explain why not) etc.

There isn’t a psychologist who will do an assessment just for pip. Any assessment would be to explore your DH’s needs and what support he currently needs.

None of this evidence means you won’t be turned down initially. It sounds like you have been turned down and received the assessor’s report? In which case you need to submit an MR request. Your money might be best spent getting someone who knows what they are doing to draft the MR for you using the relevant case law. It sounds as though you have ample evidence already. Pipps is one company that can help you challenge the decision.

My adult son is in receipt of maximum PIP and has no evidence for his autism apart from his initial NHS diagnostic from age 11. However since then he's been prescribed anti depressants a few times, had the mental health team involved occasionally and very recently got a private adhd diagnosis and started on medikenet. The only evidence I have ever submitted on his behalf is the complete DLA/ PIP forms, his diagnosis report, copies of his prescriptions, contact details for the CAMHS/adult mental Heath team and given authority for them to contact his GP. Is 100% crazy how people can be treated so differently.

Did you use benefits and work or CAB to help fill in the forms? I've always used benefits and work and they tell you the exact format to use to fill the forms in. If you don't use the correct format, key words and descriptors, you have very little chance.

It’s awful I am so sorry you all went through that

That’s a good shout I will see if I can get an apt with citizens advice.