Before the consultation
- Note the main concerns, when they started and what makes them better or worse.
- Bring a list of current medicines, previous prescriptions and any reports.
- A family member may attend if you would like support.
Patient journey
Recovery Pathways
What to expect at each stage of care — from your first enquiry to assessment, treatment and long-term follow-up.
Every plan is individual. The steps below show how care is usually organised; not every patient needs every step, and the order can change with clinical need. Choose a pathway:
Pathway A
Adult psychiatry pathway
For depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, psychosis and other adult mental health conditions.
Step 1: Initial enquiry
You or a family member contact the clinic or book online. Basic details help us arrange the right type of appointment.
Step 2: Comprehensive psychiatric assessment
A detailed discussion of current symptoms, history, physical health, medicines, substance use, risks and what matters to you.
Step 3: Clinical formulation and diagnosis
Findings are brought together to explain what may be happening and why, including a diagnosis where one is appropriate.
Step 4: Personalised treatment plan
Options are discussed openly, including their expected benefits, side effects and alternatives, so decisions are made together.
Step 5: Medication and/or psychotherapy
Treatment may include medication, psychological therapy, lifestyle measures or a combination — only where clinically appropriate.
Step 6: Follow-up and monitoring
Regular reviews check progress, side effects and safety, and the plan is adjusted when needed.
Step 7: Long-term management
For longer-lasting conditions, care focuses on staying well, recognising early warning signs and preventing relapse.
Pathway B
Addiction recovery pathway
For alcohol, opioid, prescription-medicine, stimulant and other substance-use problems, including dual diagnosis.
Step 1: Initial addiction assessment
Substance use pattern, physical and mental health, social circumstances and goals are assessed confidentially.
Step 2: Withdrawal and risk assessment
The likely severity of withdrawal, medical risks, overdose risk and any co-occurring psychiatric conditions are reviewed.
Step 3: Medical stabilisation or detoxification where indicated
Some people need medically supervised withdrawal; others do not. The setting is chosen according to clinical risk.
Step 4: Rehabilitation or community treatment
Ongoing treatment may be residential or community-based, depending on need, safety and personal circumstances.
Step 5: Psychological and behavioural interventions
Structured therapy addresses triggers, coping skills, motivation and any co-occurring mental health conditions.
Step 6: Family support
With consent, families can be involved in understanding addiction, supporting treatment and looking after their own wellbeing.
Step 7: Relapse prevention
A personal plan identifies warning signs and high-risk situations and what to do if they arise.
Step 8: Aftercare and long-term recovery
Follow-up continues after the intensive phase, including medication-assisted treatment such as OAMT where it is part of the plan.
Treatment is individualised. Not every patient requires detoxification or inpatient rehabilitation — many people are treated safely in the community. The right setting depends on the assessment of withdrawal risk, physical and mental health, and home circumstances.
Pathway C
Child & adolescent pathway — overview
For ADHD, autism and developmental concerns, anxiety, low mood, behaviour and school-related difficulties. Parents and caregivers are involved throughout.
Step 1: Initial enquiry
A parent or caregiver describes the concerns and the child's age so the right assessment can be arranged.
Step 2: Parent/caregiver and child assessment
Time is spent with parents and with the child or young person, in a way suited to their age and development.
Step 3: Developmental and clinical history
Pregnancy, early development, health, family background and the history of the current difficulties are reviewed.
Step 4: School and teacher information
With consent, reports or rating scales from school may be requested where they help the assessment.
Related child & adolescent conditions
Your appointment
What happens before, during and after a consultation
During the assessment
- You will be asked about symptoms, history, health, relationships, work or study and substance use.
- Questions about safety are a routine part of every psychiatric assessment.
- You can ask questions at any point and discuss your preferences.
After the assessment
- The findings and the proposed plan are explained in plain language.
- You will know what to do next, including any tests, prescriptions or referrals.
- A follow-up appointment is usually arranged.
Follow-up expectations
- Early reviews are often more frequent while treatment starts or changes.
- Report side effects or worsening symptoms promptly rather than waiting for the next review.
- Do not stop or change medication without discussing it first.
Start with an assessment
Arrange an assessment with Dr. Muhammad Shoaib Zafar in Lahore or through a secure video consultation.