DEPRESSION
Depression
Private support for depression, with confidential counselling, GP assessment where clinically appropriate, and clear next steps from the same medical practice.
COUNSELLING
In-Practice
Confidential counselling within an established medical practice
INTEGRATED
GP + Therapy
Medical and psychological support through the same clinic
Understanding Depression
More than low mood
Depression is not always described as sadness. Patients may present with loss of motivation, emotional flatness, low energy, irritability, poor concentration, sleep disturbance, withdrawal, a reduced ability to enjoy ordinary life, or a sense that daily tasks now require disproportionate effort. It becomes a clinical concern when low mood persists, functioning changes, and the ability to function — at work, in relationships, in daily life — becomes noticeably harder. Many patients describe it as a weight that does not lift, even when circumstances improve.
At Basuto Medical Centre, private support for depression is available through confidential counselling with GP input where clinically appropriate. Psychological and medical support can be accessed through the same practice, without needing to navigate separate services.
Common Symptoms
How depression commonly presents
Depression affects people in different ways, but common symptoms include persistent low mood, loss of interest or pleasure in things that previously mattered, fatigue that is not explained by activity, changes in appetite or weight, difficulty sleeping or sleeping excessively, poor concentration, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, social withdrawal, irritability and a sense that life has narrowed.
Physical symptoms are common. Fatigue, headaches, muscle tension, appetite changes and poor sleep are frequently reported. Where symptoms may have a medical contributor — such as thyroid dysfunction, low testosterone, perimenopause or vitamin deficiency — a private GP review and blood tests can help clarify the picture.
Causes
What contributes to depression
Depression rarely has a single cause. It commonly involves a combination of biological vulnerability, life circumstances, prolonged stress, loss, relationship difficulties, physical health changes and disrupted sleep. Some patients have experienced depression before and recognise a recurrence. Others are experiencing it for the first time following a significant life event, a period of burnout, a health diagnosis, or a gradual accumulation of pressure with insufficient recovery.
Depression frequently coexists with anxiety, trauma, ADHD, addiction and burnout. It can also overlap with hormonal changes, chronic pain, sleep disorders and other medical conditions that affect mood and energy.
When to Seek Help
When depression needs professional support
It is worth seeking support when depression is:
- persisting for more than two weeks without improvement
- making it harder to work, concentrate or complete everyday tasks
- disrupting sleep — either difficulty falling asleep or sleeping excessively
- causing withdrawal from people, activities or responsibilities
- linked to increased alcohol use, poor appetite or self-neglect
- affecting how you feel about yourself, your future or your relationships
- accompanied by physical symptoms such as fatigue, pain or weight changes
Depression responds better to intervention when addressed earlier. You do not need to wait for things to deteriorate further before seeking professional support.
How We Can Help
Private depression support at Basuto
At Basuto Medical Centre, depression support is available through private counselling and GP assessment. Counselling provides a structured, confidential space to work through what is contributing to low mood. GP input may be appropriate where physical symptoms need review, where medication may be relevant, or where a specialist referral is needed.
Where medication is discussed, private prescriptions can be arranged through the practice. Patients who need flexibility can access same-day appointments and online appointments.
Depression frequently overlaps with other conditions. If relevant, support is also available for anxiety, trauma, ADHD, addiction, low testosterone and TRT, and menopause and HRT.
Your Appointment
What to expect
Your first appointment provides time to explain what has been happening, how long symptoms have been present, what feels most difficult, and what you are hoping support may help with. There is no expectation that you will have a clear explanation or diagnosis — the purpose is to understand the situation and agree on a practical next step.
This may involve ongoing counselling, a GP review to assess physical contributors, blood tests, discussion of medication, specialist referral, or a structured plan for managing depression alongside work, sleep and daily life.
Same-day appointments available. Book online or call 020 7736 7557.
PRICING
Simple, Transparent Pricing
Pay as you go at £150 per consultation, or save with a membership plan.
Pay As You Go
£150
per consultation
✓ 30-minute GP consultation
✓ Prescription included
✓ Referral letter included
✓ No commitment
Adult Membership
£85/month
per month
✓ 10 GP appointments/year
✓ Priority same-day booking
✓ All prescriptions included
✓ Named doctor continuity
Patient Reviews
Patient Feedback
★★★★★
“It’s a great friendly practice and the GP has an extremely friendly approach and gives you plenty of her time and is excellent with diagnosis. It has a warm friendly atmosphere.”
Verified Patient
GP Consultation · Doctify Verified
★★★★★
“Thorough and considered consultation with the doctor who gave me plenty of time and attention and treated a number of different ailments. I was phoned back later the same day by the doctor as a follow-up. I have been using Basuto Medical Centre for years, they are an excellent medical practice.”
Verified Patient
Women’s Health · Doctify Verified
★★★★★
“I called at 5.15pm, in pain and knowing that I needed antibiotics. In five minutes the receptionist had spoken to the doctor and she called me back for a telephone consultation. By 6pm I had picked up my filled prescription. I simply could not have asked for better service.”
Verified Patient
Same-Day Care · Doctify Verified
YOUR DOCTORS
Clinical Team
Care led by experienced GMC-registered GPs. Committed to provide thorough care and clear clinical decision-making.
How to Book
Getting started
You can book a private depression appointment directly through the practice. If you are unsure whether to start with counselling or a GP consultation, either is a reasonable first step — the team can guide you from there.
CONDITIONS & CONCERNS
What we can help with
Private GP appointments cover the full range of general practice. You do not need to know what is wrong — if something is worrying you, that is reason enough to book.
Women’s Health
Menopause and HRT, contraception, cervical screening, fertility, pregnancy.
Men’s Health
Testosterone, erectile dysfunction, cardiovascular risk, prostate symptoms.
Children & Families
Paediatric consultations, vaccines, childhood infections, newborn checks.
Mental Health
Anxiety, depression, stress, burnout — GP assessment with integrated counselling.
Travel & Vaccines
Travel health, vaccinations, antimalarial prescriptions, fit-to-fly letters.
FIND US
Basuto Medical Centre
29 Basuto Road, London, SW6 4BJ
3-minute walk from Parsons Green station (District line)
Mon–Fri: 9am–6pm
Book a depression appointment in Fulham
Private counselling and GP support for depression, with structured assessment, clear next steps and the option of joined-up medical care through the same practice.