Information for GPs and Clinical Colleagues

Thank you for considering a referral to Merstham Psychology Practice. This page provides the clinical and practical information you need to refer patients with chronic pain conditions or general mental health support needs.

I am Dr Kelly Jones, a Consultant Clinical Psychologist registered with the HCPC [PYL23694]. I offer specialist psychological assessment and therapy for adults with chronic and persistent pain, and psychological therapy for a broader range of mental health presentations, using evidence-based approaches including ACT, Pain-CBT, CFT and CBT.

My NHS background includes specialist work in a dedicated chronic pain service, alongside extensive experience in health psychology, long-term conditions, anxiety, depression and trauma. I hold full professional indemnity insurance and maintain regular clinical supervision.

I accept both GP referrals and self-referrals from patients following a GP or specialist recommendation.

Psychological therapy is a clinically appropriate option alongside or following medical treatment for patients presenting with:

• Chronic pain of more than three months' duration, where medical management has reached its limits
• Significant fear-avoidance, kinesiophobia, or pain catastrophising
• Low mood, anxiety, or sleep disturbance driven or worsened by persistent pain
• A boom-and-bust activity pattern or difficulties with pacing
• Pain-related disability disproportionate to physical findings
• Post-surgical pain not following the expected rehabilitation trajectory
• Medically unexplained symptoms or a functional pain presentation
• Fibromyalgia, CRPS, widespread pain, or chronic migraine

I also accept referrals for patients with primary mental health presentations where a Consultant Clinical Psychologist with an evidence-based approach is the most appropriate level of care. This includes:

• Anxiety disorders — generalised anxiety, health anxiety, social anxiety, panic
• Depression and persistent low mood (without self harm or suicidation)
• Stress and adjustment difficulties, including work-related stress and life transitions
• Bereavement and loss
• Low self-esteem and self-critical patterns
• Sleep disorders, particularly where CBT-I is indicated

*Note for GPs:  If you are unsure whether a patient is more appropriately seen for chronic pain or general mental health therapy, please contact me for an informal discussion. Many patients present with both, and I am experienced in working with the interaction between pain and mental health. Happy to discuss and advise.

Referrals can be made by email, using the contact page (Just press the "Refer Now" button below). I aim to acknowledge all referrals within two working days and will often offer an initial appointment within 2 weeks.

What to Include

• Patient name, date of birth, and contact details (particularly email address or telephone number of the patient for me to contact them)

• Primary pain presentation and duration

• Brief relevant medical and psychological history

• Any current risk considerations. (Please note* I cannot manage self harm or suicidation in an independent private practice setting.)

• Your practice contact details for discharge correspondence

I will contact the patient directly within two working days to arrange an initial assessment appointment. Following assessment, and with appropriate consent, I will write to you with a summary formulation and proposed treatment plan. I may provide brief progress updates at clinically significant points if it is felt important or necessary, and with consent can send a discharge summary at the end of treatment if any further follow up or support would be required.

I am available for clinical discussion about specific patients at any point during treatment, with appropriate consent.

Sessions are privately funded at £140 per 50 minutes. I am a registered BUPA provider and can accept referrals from patients with relevant health insurance. 

I welcome contact from clinical colleagues, whether to make a referral, discuss a patient informally, or find out more about my service.

• Tel: 01737 448060

• Email: drkellymjones@gmail.com

• Response within: 2 working days

I am also happy to visit your practice or clinic in person to introduce myself and discuss how we might work together. Please get in touch to arrange this.