Dr Rachel Jones

Dr Rachel Jones joined Priory Hospital Chelmsford in 2013 as a visiting consultant. During this time, she has helped patients with a variety of mental health conditions. She has worked with adults (18-65 years) and is very experienced in treating a broad range of psychiatric disorders, which includes organic psychiatric disorders, schizophrenia, depressive disorders, bipolar affective disorder, anxiety disorders, personality disorders, alcohol and substance misuse disorders and neurodevelopmental disorders such as Asperger’s syndrome and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). 

Dr Jones is developing a special interest in Bioidentical Hormone Therapy. It is known that testosterone in men and oestrogen and progesterone in women (as well as other hormones) impact very significantly on mood, anxiety, memory and sleep. She takes a holistic approach, measures patients’ hormones and balances them wherever possible. This maybe instead of or as well as prescribing medication.

Dr Jones often engages psychological therapists to work alongside her to assist with the treatment of patients.

Dr Jones is recognised by all the main private health insurers in the UK and also treats self-funding patients. She keeps up to date with ongoing professional development and is fully approved in her practice by the General Medical Council and the Royal College of Psychiatrists.

Dr Jones has expertise in the field of serious violent offences, psychiatric criminality and risk assessment. She specialises in the field of psychiatric defence, the Mental Health Act and risk assessments, particularly where there are issues concerning the use of illicit drugs and alcohol, mental illness, personality disorders and criminal and anti-social behaviours. Dr Jones has expertise in the assessment of the effects of torture. Dr Jones has extensive experience in preparing psychiatric reports for The Crown Court, The Family Court and appearing as an Expert Witness.

Previous work experience

Dr Jones worked in the NHS between 1994 and 2013. She held many different roles during that time as she progressed through the different levels of seniority. She became a consultant in 2005 and went on to hold a consultant post in general adult psychiatry at the West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds between 2005 and 2007, and in forensic psychiatry at The John Howard Secure Hospital in London between 2007 and 2013. During this time she managed patients with a broad range of psychiatric disorders including mental illness, personality disorders and drug and alcohol misuse disorders.

Dr Jones left the NHS in June 2013 and has since concentrated on private practice. 

Training

Dr Jones graduated in medicine from St Bartholomew’s Hospital before training in general and adult forensic psychiatry. She has been on the General Medical Council Specialist Register for forensic psychiatry since 2005.

Academic Achievements

1. Accredited under Section 12 of the Mental Health Act 1983
2. Publication in the Psychiatric Bulletin in 1998. Review of college guidelines on high dose neuroleptic use in psychiatric intensive care unit
3. Experience in psycho dynamic psychotherapy and cognitive behavioural therapy
4. Publication of case report in Progress in Neurology and Psychiatry, Catatonia: an independent syndrome, April 2007
5. Co-wrote a clinical handbook in Acute Psychiatry for Psychiatrics published in November 2007

Developed, organised and taught on a professional MRC site clinical examination course