Dr Linda Bolton

Clinical Psychologist

Linda is a HCPC registered clinical psychologist with over 20 years’ experience of working in child, family and parenting NHS services. She has worked across a range of community and Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) in London, Somerset and Dorset.  Linda has developed particular expertise in the areas of trauma, systemic family work and long-term health problems.  She provides developmental and psychological assessments of children (0-18), parenting and attachment assessments, therapeutic work and consultation, both in the NHS and for a local charity. Linda is fully trained in Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing and is currently training in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy.  She provides training and supervision in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, and attachment and psychological issues. Linda has provided reports for the Courts for 20 years, including personal injury assessments.

Specialism

Adoption And Fostering, Adult Assessment, Child Assessment, Child Therapy, Family Assessment

Locations Covered

Bristol, Devon, Dorset, Somerset, Wiltshire

As you may be aware, on the 14th April 2025 the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund (ASGSF) announced changes to the Fair Access limit with a reduction of funding to £3000 and the discontinuation of the separate Fair Access Limit for specialist assessments.

We are currently working really hard to amend quotes for ongoing therapy work to fit within the new Fair Access Limit and working closely with Adopt South West and other local RAAs. We are also working closely with other specialist adoption support providers and therapeutic organisations including DDP connects and Theraplay UK to explore how we can continue to deliver specialist therapies within this limit.

If you are waiting for a new package of therapy please look out for correspondence from ASW or your regional adoption support agency, as they will need to regain your consent for the amended therapy contract.

If you are concerned about the impact of the delay on your family or have questions about the therapy or assessment you are waiting for please get in touch with Ellen or Jen and we will do our best to support you.

We will be contributing to a wider response to this and the following is a link to a petition requesting government action – Petition · Action Against ASGSF Changes (Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund) – United Kingdom · Change.org