Private Consultant Psychiatrist in Edinburgh
Dr Peter McCann MBBS, MSC, MRCPsych
Dr Peter McCann MBBS, MSC, MRCPsych
Mental health issues can impact anyone at any stage of life, and managing them alone can feel overwhelming. However, you are not alone, the private outpatient psychiatry service provided by consultant psychiatrist, Dr Peter McCann is flexible and confidential, and is designed to make expert mental health support more accessible than ever.
Dr Peter McCann provides assessments, therapy, and medication management for a range of general psychiatric conditions, including substance use disorder, depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, OCD, and autism. Treatment can be accessed in person at his consulting rooms in Edinburgh, from Castle Craig in the Scottish Borders, where he is the current Medical Director, or online from any location in the UK or Europe.
“I take a holistic, biological and cognitive-behavioral approach to mental health. I believe mental health challenges emerge from a combination of factors including biology, genetics, upbringing, psychological tendencies, and environment.”
With extensive experience in psychiatric medication, Dr. McCann also explores psycho-education, talking therapy, and lifestyle changes before considering new medications. You’ll be fully involved in decision-making, with clear discussions about options and potential effects.
Dr. McCann believes in promoting healthy living and providing education to help you better understand and manage your mental health challenges long-term.
Dr. Peter McCann brings a unique combination of international training and local understanding to mental health care in Scotland.
Education & Training: He obtained his Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery and Master’s of Science in Neuroscience (Distinction) at King’s College London, before completing foundation training at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospitals in London. He then worked as a Senior House Officer at the Hepatology Unit of St George’s Hospital, London.
International Expertise: Dr McCann completed a prestigious Residency Training programme in combined Internal Medicine and Psychiatry at Duke University Hospital, North Carolina, USA, where he served as Chief Resident in his final year specialising in Addiction Psychiatry. This dual training provides him with a comprehensive understanding of both physical and mental health.
Current Practice: Now based in Edinburgh, Dr McCann serves as Medical Director at Castle Craig Hospital – a private residential rehabilitation centre near Peebles in the Scottish Borders, where he treats patients with both substance and behavioural addictions. He has previously worked for NHS Lothian in Edinburgh, giving him a deep understanding of the Scottish healthcare system.
Professional Credentials: Dr McCann is registered on the GMC Specialist Register for General Psychiatry in the UK and is also US Board-certified in both General Psychiatry and Internal Medicine. He is BUPA registered, ensuring seamless access for private medical insurance patients.
Dr McCann understands that every person who seeks mental health support deserves safe, confidential, and timely treatment that is flexible and uniquely tailored to their needs. He is dedicated to providing private outpatient psychiatry services that offer mental health support designed around you and that are structured within National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines.
With the option to see Dr McCann online or in person at his consulting rooms in Edinburgh or at Castle Craig, patients can access specialist care in a way that suits them best. There is no need to have a GP referral to see Dr McCann as a private patient.
You don’t need to have a formal diagnosis from your GP surgery to speak to a psychiatrist. It may be time to seek help if you are:
Hall SA, Bell RP, Gadde S, Towe SL, Nadeem MT, McCann PS et al. Strengthened and posterior-shifted structural rich-club organization in people who use cocaine. Drug and Alcohol Dependence.
2022; 235:
109436.
Smith CM, Stavig A, McCann P et al., “Let’s Talk About Your Note”: Using Open Notes as an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Based Intervention in Mental Health Care.
Front Psychiatry. 2021;12:704415.
Published 2021 Jul 19. doi:10.3389/ fpsyt.2021.704415.
Smith CM, McCann P, Slauer R, et al. Recreational nitrous oxide and pernicious anemia–associated vitamin B12 deficiency in a patient presenting with sensorimotor polyneuropathy. Prim Care Companion CNS Disord.
2021;23(2):20l02751.
McCann P et al. (2020) A Descriptive Review of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in the Management of Substance Use Disorders.
J Addict Res Ther 11: 392.
Ventura-Cots, M., Watts, A.E., Cruz-Lemini, M., Shah, N.D., Ndugga, N., McCann, P., et al. (2019), Colder Weather and Fewer Sunlight Hours Increase Alcohol Consumption and Alcoholic Cirrhosis Worldwide.
Hepatology, 69: 1916-1930.
Costafreda SG, McCann P et al., Modulation of amygdala response and connectivity in depression by serotonin transporter polymorphism and diagnosis. Journal of Affective disorders.
2013; 150; 96-103.