Welcome to the practice of psychiatrist Dr Joseph (Joe) Foote.
Dr Foote regrets that his current workload does not allow for routine private assessments or follow-up. His practice is now restricted to medicolegal assessment work for ACC, Veteran’s Affairs, and various insurance companies; a small number of the privately-funded diagnostic clarification reviews below; and participation in the multidisciplinary team offering comprehensive psychologist-led assessments for ADHD at the NZTN ADHD service.
Diagnostic Clarification for Complex Presentations
Some psychiatric presentations are complicated. Symptoms may overlap, previous opinions may conflict, or treatment may not have produced the expected improvement.
This is a limited private assessment service for people who need a compassionate, experienced, and thorough psychiatrist to step back, review the available information as a whole, and provide the clearest diagnostic formulation and treatment recommendations possible.
Dr Foote has assessed thousands of people experiencing a wide range of psychiatric issues, and completed many hundreds of comprehensive medicolegal psychiatric evaluations, frequently in cases where the diagnostic picture was complex, uncertain, or contested. He is sought out for his ability to bring clarity to complicated clinical pictures, taking the time to tease out carefully multiple issues and their interplay.
Who this service is for
The service may be appropriate where:
- the diagnostic picture remains complicated, uncertain, or contested;
- symptoms appear to cross several diagnostic frameworks;
- previous clinicians have reached differing conclusions;
- treatment has not produced the expected improvement;
- there is a substantial clinical history that needs to be reviewed and brought together; or
- a patient, family, or treating professional needs a clearer formulation and direction.
It is not suitable for routine psychiatric care, urgent assessment, initial screening, ongoing medication management, or straightforward treatment consultations.
People who are already receiving treatment are welcome to be referred for an independent review. Dr Foote is not available to take over ongoing psychiatric care or prescribing.
What the assessment involves
Initial suitability review
You may ask your general practitioner, psychologist, or other treating health professional to provide a referral. You may also email admin@northlandpsychiatry.co.nz directly with a brief outline of the history and the questions you would like the assessment to address.
Please do not send extensive or sensitive records by ordinary email at the initial enquiry stage. Secure arrangements can be made for transferring clinical information once the assessment has been accepted.
Review of prior information
Relevant clinical records are reviewed in advance so that the assessment can focus on unresolved questions rather than simply repeating the history.
Questionnaires and testing
Selected psychometric measures may be completed where they are likely to assist with diagnosis or treatment planning. Further testing may occasionally be recommended following the interview.
Specialist review
The assessment with Dr Foote is conducted by secure video consultation and usually lasts between 90 minutes and three hours, depending on the complexity of the presentation.
Generally, he will provide detailed feedback at the conclusion of the appointment. Final conclusions may depend on further review of the records, questionnaires, or additional information.
Written report
You will receive a clear and detailed report setting out:
- the relevant clinical history;
- Dr Foote’s diagnostic formulation;
- important alternative or contributing explanations;
- the implications of the findings;
- recommendations for treatment or further assessment; and
- responses to any specific questions agreed at the time of booking.
Fee: NZ$2,750+GST
The fee includes:
- review of up to 100 pages of clinical records;
- review of standard questionnaires or psychometric measures;
- the specialist assessment;
- the written report.
Where the records exceed 100 pages, or substantial additional testing or follow-up is required, any additional fee will be discussed and agreed before that work is undertaken.
Getting started
Ask your health professional to make a referral, or email a brief summary of the situation and the questions you would like answered.
Dr Foote will review to advise whether the service appears suitable, and if so we will provide information about current availability.
Frequently asked questions
Is this service suitable for an urgent situation?
No. This is a planned, non-urgent assessment service. For urgent mental health concerns, contact your general practitioner, local mental health crisis service, or emergency services where necessary.
Can I see Dr Foote via telepsychiatry?
Yes, this is a telepsychiatry service. Please read our online psychiatry page for more details.
What sorts of clinical pictures can Dr Foote help with?
A non-exhaustive list of situations in which Dr Foote’s input may be vital include:
- Assessment and diagnosis of mental health conditions, common and uncommon
- Complex medication reviews
- Anxiety disorders, including social anxiety, generalised anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and panic disorder
- Mood disorders, including dysthymia, depression, and bipolar affective disorder
- Psychotic illnesses, including schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder
- Autism-spectrum disorders including Asperger Syndrome
- Concerns about young adult children
- Concerns about a family member with any of the above problems
Can I know more about Dr Foote’s training?
Dr Foote adheres to the New Zealand Medical Council’s principles of ethics and confidentiality. He participates in the continuing education required by the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, and is vocationally registered.
I have an ACC claim and think I need to see a psychiatrist. Should I book privately?
No. Please speak with your ACC case manager or treatment provider about making an ACC referral. This private service is not a substitute for an assessment commissioned by ACC.
My lawyer says that I need a psychiatric report for court. Is this service suitable?
No. This is not an expert-witness service, and Dr Foote cannot accept instructions that may require court attendance or cross-examination.
Does the service include ongoing psychiatric treatment?
No. This is a time-limited specialist assessment and review. Dr Foote is not available to take over ongoing psychiatric care, medication prescribing, or clinical monitoring. A further appointment may occasionally be recommended to review additional information or test findings, but this does not constitute ongoing treatment.
Does Dr Foote accept Southern Cross or other health insurance?
No, health insurance funding is not available for these assessments.
How soon can I be seen?
Only a limited number of these assessments are available. Dr Foote generally aims to offer an appointment within four weeks, although timing depends on current availability, the complexity of the case, and whether the necessary records have been received.
Who will receive the report?
At the outset of the assessment, the client and Dr Foote will agree who is to receive the report. Ordinarily, it may be provided to the person assessed and to any treating professional they authorise. The usual legal and professional exceptions to confidentiality apply, including situations involving serious and immediate safety concerns.
How should I prepare for my assessment?
For more information, including how to prepare for your meeting with Dr Foote, please click here.