Hello, I’m Dr Slav Zhelev, an HCPC-registered Highly Specialist Clinical Psychologist working across both the NHS and private practice settings. I specialise in comprehensive ADHD assessments for adults who are seeking greater clarity and understanding of difficulties they may have experienced throughout their lives.

 

I recognise that deciding to pursue an ADHD assessment can be a significant step. Some people come to assessment after years of wondering why certain aspects of everyday life seem more difficult than they do for others. Others may only recently have begun to consider ADHD, perhaps after recognising themselves in the experiences of a family member, friend or colleague. Whatever has brought you to assessment, my aim is to provide a thoughtful, respectful and clinically rigorous process in which you feel listened to and your individual experiences are taken seriously.

 

My approach to ADHD assessment

I take a thorough and meticulous approach to assessment. ADHD is more than a checklist of symptoms, and a high-quality assessment needs to consider the whole person. I therefore take time to understand not only the difficulties you are experiencing now, but also your developmental history, education, work, relationships, emotional wellbeing and day-to-day functioning.

 

As part of the diagnostic process, I use the DIVA-5 (Diagnostic Interview for ADHD in Adults), a structured diagnostic interview specifically developed for the assessment of ADHD in adults. Information from the DIVA-5 is considered alongside your broader clinical and developmental history and other relevant assessment information to build a comprehensive picture of your experiences.

 

An important part of the assessment is considering how difficulties have developed over time and whether ADHD provides the best explanation for them. I also consider other psychological, developmental and contextual factors that may contribute to, overlap with, or sometimes resemble ADHD. My background as a senior Clinical Psychologist allows me to consider this broader clinical picture rather than looking at ADHD symptoms in isolation.

 

The assessment process is collaborative and non-judgemental. My role is not to approach the assessment with a predetermined conclusion, but to carefully bring together the available information and arrive at a clinically informed understanding of your difficulties.

 

I have completed the UK Adult ADHD Network (UKAAN) Diagnostic Assessment Training and undertake ADHD assessments with supervision from a Consultant Clinical Psychologist. My practice is informed by established clinical guidance and evidence-based approaches to adult ADHD assessment.

 

Understanding neurodivergence in context

Alongside ADHD assessment, I have extensive experience working therapeutically with neurodivergent adults, including people with diagnosed or suspected ADHD, autism, or both. This experience has given me an appreciation of the many different ways ADHD can present and the ways in which people may develop strategies to compensate for or mask their difficulties over time.

 

I also understand that attention, organisation, impulsivity and executive functioning difficulties do not exist in isolation. They can interact with anxiety, low mood, trauma, self-esteem, relationships, physical health and other aspects of a person’s life. My clinical psychology training enables me to explore these areas sensitively as part of developing a fuller understanding of your individual presentation.

 

My professional background

I have worked with adults and young people across NHS and private clinical settings and have extensive experience assessing and supporting people experiencing a wide range of psychological and neurodevelopmental difficulties. In addition to my doctoral training in Clinical Psychology, my academic background includes postgraduate study in Clinical Neuroscience, giving me a particular interest in the relationship between brain functioning, behaviour and psychological wellbeing.

 

Qualifications

· Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (PsychD), University of Surrey  

· PGCert Psychological Wellbeing Practice, University of Essex  

· MSc Clinical Neuroscience, University College London  

· BSc (Hons) Psychology, University of Hertfordshire  

 

Professional Status and Training

· Registered Clinical Psychologist – Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)  

· UK Adult ADHD Network (UKAAN) Diagnostic Assessment Training  

· ADHD assessment practice supervised by a Consultant Clinical Psychologist  

· Professional Indemnity Insurance Cover and Enhanced DBS Clearance  

 

My aim is for you to come away from the process with greater clarity and a better understanding of yourself. Where ADHD is identified, the assessment can provide a framework for understanding longstanding difficulties and considering appropriate next steps. Where ADHD does not best explain your experiences, I will be equally thoughtful in helping you understand what the assessment suggests instead. If you are considering an adult ADHD assessment and would value a careful, compassionate and clinically rigorous approach, I would be very happy to work with you.

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Availability: Wednesday, Thursdays, Fridays (late afternoons). 
Charges: £125 per session, £1125 for ADHD assessments

Contact: enquiries@surreytherapypractice.com