Independent Medical Assessment for Mental Health
Get in touchAt Independent Medical Assessment, we provide impartial evaluations for employees experiencing mental health difficulties that affect their work.
Conditions such as stress, anxiety, depression, and burnout are now among the most common causes of sickness absence in the UK.
Employers have responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the Equality Act 2010 to protect mental wellbeing and make reasonable adjustments.
Independent mental health assessments ensure unbiased reporting, supporting fair workplace decisions, legal cases, and insurance claims.
Request a free quote for independent medical assessments for mental health today.
Why Are Independent Medical Assessments Needed for Mental Health?
An independent medical assessment for mental health provides an impartial opinion on how a condition affects an individual’s ability to work.
Mental health issues can impact performance, attendance, and safety in the workplace.
This neutrality is especially valuable in disputes, long-term absence cases, or ill-health retirement applications.
It ensures fairness for both employers and employees.
What Does a Mental Health Assessment Involve?
The medical health assessment is a confidential consultation with an occupational health specialist or psychiatrist.
It involves a discussion of the employee’s symptoms, treatment history, and how their condition impacts daily activities and work.
The assessor may explore workplace stressors, coping strategies, and recovery options.
A balanced, independent report is then issued with recommendations on fitness for work and possible adjustments.
Who Requires Independent Medical Assessments for Mental Health?
Mental health evaluations may be required for employees experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions that affect their job.
Employers may request them for staff on long-term sick leave, or when workplace adjustments are being considered.
Insurers and solicitors may also require independent assessments for claims or legal cases.
They provide objective evidence where fairness is essential.
How Often Should Independent Mental Health Assessments Be Carried Out?
Independent assessments for mental well-being are often conducted as one-time evaluations for employment, legal, or insurance purposes.
However, repeat assessments may be arranged if an employee’s condition changes or follow-up is required.
In certain workplace situations, periodic reviews can help track progress and support a phased return to work.
The frequency depends on the individual case and referral needs.
What Are the Benefits of Independent Medical Assessments for Mental Health?
Independent medical assessments provide fairness, clarity, and reassurance.
Provide impartial, unbiased medical opinions.
Support legal, insurance, and employment-related decisions.
Recommend practical workplace adjustments under the Equality Act 2010.
Assist with return-to-work planning and sickness absence management.
Protect both employee well-being and employer responsibilities.
How Much Do Independent Mental Health Checks Cost?
The cost of mental health assessments ranges from £150 to £400 per case.
The cost depends on the complexity of the case and the level of reporting required.
Cases requiring psychiatric input, detailed evidence, or court-standard reporting may incur higher costs.
We provide clear, tailored quotes for every referral.
Are Independent Mental Health Assessments Confidential?
Confidentiality is guaranteed for all independent medical surveys for mental health.
Employers or insurers only receive outcome reports that focus on work-related recommendations and fitness for duties.
Detailed clinical information remains private between the assessor and the individual.
At Independent Medical Assessments, we ensure fairness while protecting employee privacy.
How Should Employees Prepare for a Mental Health Assessment?
Employees should bring details of any current medications, therapy, or treatment they are receiving.
It is helpful to think about how symptoms affect daily activities, relationships, and work performance.
Employees may also prepare by noting workplace triggers, stressors, or situations that worsen their condition.
Being open and honest ensures the assessor can provide a fair and accurate evaluation.
How Do Independent Medical Assessments Support Equality Act Compliance?
Under the Equality Act 2010, employers must make reasonable adjustments for employees whose mental health condition qualifies as a disability.
An independent mental health assessment provides impartial advice on what adjustments may be appropriate.
This may include flexible working, reduced hours, or phased return-to-work plans.
Employers can use this evidence to ensure compliance while supporting employee well-being.
What Happens If an Employee Is Found Unfit for Work?
If our independent assessor concludes that an employee is unfit, they will recommend time away from work or redeployment.
In some cases, a temporary leave of absence may be needed to allow recovery.
The report may also suggest further treatment or specialist referral.
Employers can use these recommendations to act fairly while meeting their duty of care.
Can Employees Refuse a Mental Health Assessment?
Participation requires consent, and employees cannot be forced to undergo a mental health assessment.
However, if a mental health issue is impacting performance, attendance, or safety, employers may explain that an assessment will help support adjustments.
Independent assessments are confidential and impartial, which often reassures employees.
In legal or insurance cases, refusal may affect the outcome of claims.
How Quickly Can an Independent Mental Health Assessment Be Arranged?
The timescale for mental health checks depends on the type of specialist required and the urgency of the case.
In most cases, assessments can be arranged within 1 to 2 weeks, with reports issued within 5 to 10 working days.
For urgent employment or legal cases, faster appointments may be prioritised.
We ensure decisions can be made without unnecessary delays.
Request a Free Consultation
At Independent Medical Assessment, we provide impartial evaluations for employees with mental health conditions, supporting fair outcomes in employment, legal, and insurance settings.
Our mental health reports are clear, evidence-based, and fully confidential.
Contact Independent Medical Assessment today to get a free consultation and arrange mental health assessments for your workforce.
Other Services We Offer
At Medical Surveillance, we offer a wide range of services; some of these include:
Independent Medical Assessment for Lead Exposure
Independent Medical Assessment for Skin Checks
Independent Medical Assessment for Asbestos
Independent Medical Assessment for Bakery Workers
Independent Medical Assessment for Benzene
Independent Medical Assessment for Radiation Workers
Independent Medical Assessment for Silica Exposure
Independent Medical Assessment for Formaldehyde
Independent Medical Assessment for COSHH
Independent Medical Assessment for Dermatitis