Psychiatrist
Prof. Alistair Burns
Manchester Mental Health and Social Care Trust · Manchester, United Kingdom
Profile last reviewed by our editors on .
Direct contact
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Quick match
Best for
Decision intelligence
Why this doctor may suit you
- Frequently treats anxiety in Manchester
- 35+ years of clinical experience
- Patient feedback emphasises listens carefully
- Accepting new and second-opinion patients
Treatment mix
Where this doctor spends clinical time
Bedside manner
Communication style
Doctor vibe
How patients describe the consult
Who comes in
Common patient types
Top reasons
Patients commonly visit for
- Persistent anxiety
- Low mood for weeks
- Trouble sleeping
- Focus & attention issues
- Relationship strain
In the clinic
Procedures performed frequently
Diagnostic Interview
280+ doneStructured clinical assessment
Medication Management
385+ doneLong-term titration & monitoring
CBT Referral
398+ doneCognitive behavioural therapy coordination
Be informed
What patients should realistically expect
Therapy takes consistency
Most patients see meaningful change after 6–12 sessions.
Medication trials
Finding the right SSRI/SNRI can take 4–6 weeks.
We deliberately avoid success-rate claims. Outcomes vary — your doctor will give you a personalised view.
Journey
A typical treatment timeline
- ●
Session 1
History & rapport
Detailed assessment and goals.
- ●
Week 4
Plan stabilises
Medication or therapy structure in place.
- ●
Month 3
Meaningful change
Symptoms measurably improved.
Treatment philosophy
“Mental health is treated, not labelled.”
— Prof. Alistair Burns
Expertise
Patient-type expertise
Cost expectation
Pricing tier
Tier reflects consultation + typical workup, not exact fees.
Recovery
Downtime to expect
- Sessions — no downtime
- Medication — gradual onset over 2–4 weeks
Plan your visit
Waiting time intelligence
15 min average wait
- • Weekends fill up — book 3–4 days ahead.
- • Evening clinics run busier; arrive 10 min early.
Reassurance
Second-opinion friendly
Open to second opinions. Reviews previous treatments and reports carefully.
Evidence-based
Research & academic profile
Track outcomes
Common result categories
Mood Stability
Outcomes vary by patient.
Anxiety Reduction
Outcomes vary by patient.
Sleep Quality
Outcomes vary by patient.
Care style
What patients consistently report
Patient FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Is a first session just talking, or will I get a diagnosis?+
The first session is primarily history-taking. A working diagnosis usually forms by session 2.
Will I become dependent on medication?+
Modern psychiatric medications are not addictive in the colloquial sense; your doctor will plan tapering when appropriate.
About Prof. Alistair Burns
Professor of old age psychiatry at the University of Manchester; national clinical director for dementia.
Credentials & Expertise
- Education
- MBChB, MD, FRCP, FRCPsych
- Specialization
- Psychiatrist
- Years in practice
- 35
- Languages
- —
How we verified this profile
Every physician listed on Find Me Doctor is reviewed against our editorial methodology: board certification, hospital affiliation, peer reviews, patient outcomes, and years of clinical experience. Profiles are updated regularly by our editorial team.
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Frequently asked questions
Prof. Alistair Burns