Information for healthcare professionals

Qualifications, Experience & Referral Instructions

We provide specialist psychological support for scuba divers. The service is UK-based and provided remotely, via secure online videocall. This page has been created to answer your questions about the services we can offer your patients. If you would like to know more, please contact us with your questions.
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Psychological Services for Scuba Divers

Clinical Psychology services tailored for the specific needs of scuba divers. More information on services is available via the services link at the top of this page (see the Diving Psychology section).

  • Psychological Assessment and Treatment for PTSD (e.g. DCI, drowning, left at sea), Anxiety, Depression and Stress

  • Psychological therapy and support for lifestyle/behaviour changes

  • Evidence-based practice (e.g. NICE Guidelines for Trauma)

  • Psychological Assessment and Therapies - advanced cognitive-behavioural therapies and EMDR

Professional Background

Psychological Services provided by experienced Clinical Psychologist, Dr Laura Walton.

  • UK Clinical Psychologist – HCPC Register Practitioner Psychologist PYL25895

  • Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at University of Edinburgh 2010

  • Masters in Psychological Research Methods at University of Stirling 2006 | Bachelor of Science in Psychology at University of Newcastle 2004

  • 13 years post-qualification experience | NHS 8 years | Highly experienced in working with psychological trauma

  • Associate Fellow of British Psychological Society

  • UK Scuba Diving Professional since 2012 (DAN Instructor, DDI Instructor, PADI Master Instructor)

  • Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh Diving Medicine (100 Hrs) Assessed Module 2020

  • Diving Emergency Medical Responder (DEMR) Theory | The Human Diver Essentials and Level 2 Human Factors In Diving

  • EMDR UK Accredited Practitioner of Eye-Movement Desensitisation and Re-processing (EMDR)

  • Building specialism for Diving Psychology

Which services are available?

Psychological services including assessment and therapy provided remotely via videocall. For more details please see the Diving Psychology page:

Diving Psychology Services

Detailed course about psychological trauma and how it impacts recreational scuba divers. Contains summaries and links to available research, as well as lessons on what psychological trauma is and how it is treated. I've included this here as, although initially intended for a lay audience, it built into a useful resource for healthcare professionals interesting in diving-related trauma.

Specialist Assessment

Psychological fitness to dive

Psychological assessment and reporting is available to inform referrers providing statements of medical fitness to dive where issues of mental health / behavioral / developmental conditions are a concern. Potentially adaptable for recreational, professional or commercial diving. To get a sense of what may be covered by such an assessment, you may view the reference copy. Please note that the process is still under development and subject to change.
Psychological Assessment Report [REFERENCE ONLY]

Access to this service

The service is provided remotely, via videocall, to clients in the United Kingdom.

  • Private practice

  • Open to self-funded, employer-funded and insurer funded patients

  • Clinician approved by major UK health insurers inc. Bupa & AXA

  • Self-referral process via website contact form

Further Questions?

Please contact via email, using the contact page.

Discuss a referral

Divers may refer themselves directly. Therapy is available UK-wide. Payment is via health insurance or self-fund. If you would like to discuss a referral, book a call below. Please obtain your client's consent to discuss their case prior to the call.

Book 15-min Referral Consult