Dr Harneet Hundal: Senior Adult Consultant Psychiatrist in London

Education & experience

Dr Harneet Hundal qualified in Medicine from the University of Nottingham, completing a BMedSci and BMBS in 2000. They later pursued postgraduate study at some of the UK’s leading academic institutions, gaining a Masters in Molecular Medicine with Distinction from University College London in 2003. This was followed by an MPhil in Bioscience Enterprise, also with Distinction, from the University of Cambridge in 2004, reflecting an early interest in the scientific and translational aspects of medicine.

Their specialist training in psychiatry began on the renowned South London and Maudsley training scheme, where they completed Basic Psychiatry Training between 2005 and 2009. They then progressed to Specialist Registrar training in Forensic Psychiatry from 2009 to 2013. During this time, they gained broad clinical exposure across a variety of secure and community settings, including low, medium and high secure inpatient services. This experience included work at Broadmoor Hospital, court diversion services, community forensic psychiatry teams and prison settings across Kent.

Since becoming a consultant in 2013, Dr Hundal has held several senior clinical and leadership roles. They initially served as Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist at the Trevor Gibbens Unit in Kent from 2013 to 2016, covering both low secure and community forensic services. They subsequently joined Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust, where they have worked since 2016 and taken on multiple leadership responsibilities, including Consultant Lead for the Community Forensic Psychiatry Service, the Liaison and Diversion Service, and HMP Elmley Inreach.

In addition to their clinical duties, they were appointed Clinical Director and Medical Lead for the Forensic and Offender Healthcare Directorate in 2022. Their career has also included a visiting consultant role at HMP Belmarsh. Alongside NHS work, Dr Hundal offers private consultations at Harley Mind Care on Harley Street, providing assessments, diagnostic evaluations and treatment planning for adults experiencing a range of psychiatric and neurodevelopmental conditions.

Treatments

• General adult psychiatry assessments
• ADHD assessment and management in adults
• Autism assessment in adults
• Mood disorder treatment, including depression and bipolar disorder
• Anxiety disorder treatment
• Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) management
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatment
• Psychotic disorder assessment and treatment
• Personality disorder assessment and management
• Support for co-existing substance misuse and mental health conditions
• Comprehensive psychiatric assessments and diagnosis
• Individualised treatment and management plans

Research interests

Dr Hundal has maintained an active interest in psychiatric research throughout their career. Their published work includes research on cannabidiol and persecutory ideation, which appeared in the Journal of Psychopharmacology in 2018, as well as earlier research exploring sex hormone augmentation in schizophrenia, published in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology in 2009.

They are particularly interested in translating research findings into practical clinical care, especially in areas relating to neurodevelopmental conditions and complex psychiatric presentations. Dr Hundal also founded ADHDKnowledgeHub.com, a free educational resource designed to improve public understanding of ADHD and support individuals seeking reliable information about the condition.

Clinical interests

Dr Hundal’s clinical work spans both forensic psychiatry and general adult psychiatry. They have particular expertise in neurodevelopmental conditions, including ADHD and autism in adults, as well as mood disorders, anxiety disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, psychotic disorders and personality disorders.

Their approach to care is holistic and patient-centred, taking into account biological, psychological and social factors that influence mental health. They are experienced in developing comprehensive management plans that support both recovery and long-term wellbeing.

They also have a strong interest in addressing physical health inequalities experienced by people with serious mental illness. As part of this work, Dr Hundal initiated the Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust Forensic Outreach Service physical wellbeing clinic. They are trained in structured professional judgement tools and act as a trainer for the HCR-20 v3 risk assessment framework.

In addition, they undertake expert witness and medicolegal work for Magistrates’ and Crown Courts, including cases involving serious violent offences, psychiatric defences, sentencing considerations, risk assessments and evaluations of fitness to plead.

Accolades & awards

Dr Hundal was awarded Fellowship of the Royal College of Psychiatrists (FRCPsych) in 2022, recognising their senior contribution to the field of psychiatry and their leadership within forensic mental health services.

Memberships & associations

• Fellow of the Royal College of Psychiatrists (FRCPsych) – 2022
• Member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists (MRCPsych) – 2008
• Specialist Register for Forensic Psychiatry
• Section 12(2) Approved Clinician under the Mental Health Act 1983
• South London Partnership (SLP) Forensic Community Partnership Clinical Lead