Diagnosis / conflict of interest

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I was recently referred to the local Asperger's service (in south-west London) after getting a referral from my GP. I had a 2hr "information gathering" talk with someone who works for the service at a local clinic last Tuesday, who then referred up the chain to his boss, a "Practitioner Psychologist specialising in Asperger Syndrome". However, she also turns out to be an old friend of my sister's from school, who may also have known quite a few people who were hostile to me back then.

I told the man I talked to about this and asked if there was nobody else I could be referred to. He passed this onto her and she writes back and says:

I understand your predicament and I would like to confirm to you from my perspective that I do not have any conflicts of interest with conducting your Asperger syndrome diagnostic assessment.

As a Practitioner Psychologist I am bound by strict ethical codes, conduct and guidelines regulated by the British Psychological Society (BPS) and Health Professional Council (HPC). I uphold the highest standards of professionalism to promote and maintain ethical behaivour. Therefore, I can confirm I will not be communicating or sharing information with your sister regardeing your case. In addition, I will not be sharing information with other family members without your permission.

Please can you confirm in writing whether you would like to continue with the Asperger syndrome diagnostic assessment with me. (Contact details follow.)

Obviously, I can't cast any aspersions on this woman's professionalism, but I'd rather not discuss personal matters with someone who knows members of my family. There's always the risk of her spilling some secrets when she's drunk or something like that. Do I have the right to demand to see a different practitioner? Anyone know how this works in the UK?

I can't answer those questions, but with regards to her confidentiality, it is not in her interests at all to share this information outside of those that need to know. Can you imagine the damage to her career if it became known that she had broken that confidence? The finger would be very firmly pointing in her direction and she would know that.

Does your sister still have contact with this person, and know that you may be assessed by her? If not, then I would personally have very little worry about being assessed by her.

One complication is that a full assessment will usually involve collateral information from people who knew you as a child - parents, siblings, guardians etc. I would still have little worry that these interactions would ever be used against you.

I believe you have the right to choose who does the assessment. Just tell them you don't trust them/don't feel comfortable and you want someone else.

Thanks for your help, everyone. I emailed her today with my concerns and got a reply saying she did know of another qualified practitioner and could refer me to her, so I asked her to do that.