Patient & Family GuidePatient & Family Guide
Expert care.
At every stage.
A guide to private mental health treatment at Cardinal Clinic — from your first enquiry through to long-term recovery.
Welcome
Taking the first step is the hardest part. We are here to help.
Cardinal Clinic has been providing expert private mental health care since 1979. Over four decades, we have helped thousands of individuals and families navigate some of the most difficult periods of their lives — with compassion, clinical rigour, and genuine commitment to long-term recovery.
We understand that seeking help for a mental health problem — whether for yourself or someone you love — can feel overwhelming. This guide is designed to answer your questions, explain what to expect, and help you understand how we can help.
If you would like to speak to someone directly, our admissions team is available seven days a week, from 8am to 10pm. All enquiries are completely confidential.
CQC Regulated
Outstanding for Caring
45+ Years
of clinical excellence
50+ Consultants
across all specialisms
48-Hour
assessment availability
What We Treat
We treat the full spectrum of mental health conditions.
Our consultants and therapists have expertise across the full range of mental health presentations — from common conditions such as depression and anxiety, to complex and treatment-resistant cases.
We also provide specialist services for children and adolescents, couples, families, and older adults. Please contact our admissions team to discuss your specific situation.
Levels of Care
The right level of care, at every stage of your journey.
Cardinal Clinic offers a complete continuum of care — from regular outpatient appointments through to 24-hour residential treatment and structured step-down support. Your level of care is determined by your clinical needs, not by what is most convenient or most profitable.
Regular appointments with a consultant psychiatrist, psychologist, or therapist — typically one to three times per week. Suitable for those who can manage daily life while receiving treatment.
- Psychiatric assessment & medication management
- Individual psychotherapy (CBT, EMDR, Schema, Psychodynamic)
- Psychology assessment & neuropsychological testing
- ADHD & ASD assessment
- Couples and family therapy
Our Group
Part of the Portobello/PROMIS Group.
Cardinal Clinic is part of a wider group of specialist behavioural health organisations, providing a genuinely seamless continuum of care that no single clinic can offer alone.
Windsor, Berkshire
Cardinal Clinic
Private mental health clinic providing outpatient, day patient, and residential treatment since 1979. CQC regulated, rated Outstanding for Caring.
London & Kent
PROMIS
One of the world's leading addiction treatment centres, providing residential and outpatient care for substance and behavioural addictions for over 35 years.
London
Portobello Behavioural Health
Specialist case management, behavioural health coaching, and community support — bridging the gap between clinical treatment and independent living.
The Admissions Process
What happens when you get in touch.
We have designed our admissions process to be as simple and stress-free as possible. From your first call to your first appointment, we will guide you every step of the way.
First Contact
Call or email our admissions team. All enquiries are completely confidential. We will listen carefully and help you understand whether Cardinal Clinic is the right fit.
Initial Assessment
A comprehensive assessment with one of our consultant psychiatrists or senior clinicians — usually within 48 hours. We will discuss your history, current difficulties, and what you are hoping to achieve.
Your Care Plan
We will recommend the most appropriate level of care and develop a personalised treatment plan, including the specific therapies, clinicians, and timeline we recommend.
Insurance & Funding
Our admissions team will help you navigate insurance pre-authorisation or self-funding options. We work with all major private medical insurers.
Beginning Treatment
You begin treatment — whether outpatient, day patient, or residential — with a dedicated clinical team who know your history and are committed to your recovery.
Ongoing Support
Treatment at Cardinal Clinic does not end at discharge. We provide structured aftercare, step-down support, and long-term follow-up to protect your recovery.
Funding Your Treatment
Private medical insurance and self-funding options.
Cardinal Clinic works with all major private medical insurers, including Bupa, AXA Health, Aviva, Cigna, and Vitality. Our admissions team will help you navigate the pre-authorisation process and liaise with your insurer on your behalf.
We also welcome self-funding patients. Our admissions team can provide a clear breakdown of costs and, where appropriate, discuss payment plan options.
Ready to take the next step?
Our admissions team is available seven days a week, from 8am to 10pm. All enquiries are completely confidential. There is no obligation to proceed.
Enquire Online
We will respond within four hours during business hours.
All enquiries are completely confidential.