Reviews
I have seen a number of psychiatrists in my 30 years of struggling with my mental health. Dr A was by far the best - kind, thoughtful, insightful and, most importantly to me, collaborative - we worked together rather than me being told what to do or simply given medication to dull my symptoms.
I have been under the care of James Arkell for several years and I can confidently say that he has saved my life where others could not give me the help or support I needed. I do not understand the negative review as this appears to describe a man unknown to me. Even when I have needed help at weekends and emailed him he has always promptly responded with recommendations for a plan of action going forwards. He communicates with his colleagues that I also see so that everyone involved in my care is updated.I cannot recommend Dr Arkell highly enough.
Dr Arkell was absolutely great when I first went to him several years ago. From then I have found that he has got busier and busier and so his service to patients has dropped in line. He is still a nice man, but if you are hoping for any contact outside of appointments, he is not the doctor for you.
When I started with Dr Arkell several years ago, I would have agreed with the other reviews. However over the last few years he has got busier and busier. If you are a patient that just needs reviewing every six months then he could be suitable. But if you need to contact him at all, or require hospitalisation on a regular basis, then look elsewhere. When he gets stressed he is a very different person. I have left recently and feel grateful that my new psychiatrist has time if I need it, and is steady with me.
I just think he should have restricted his number of patients in the interest of those he already had.
Dr Arkell is a superb psychiatrist. He listens with great care to produce a highly effective diagnosis. He is also a very down to earth, practical and kind person. Recommend 100%.