Dr Justin Shute is a Consultant Liaison Psychiatrist with over 20 years of experience working within Orthognathic and Craniofacial teams. Liaison psychiatry is a specialty that works at the interface between physical and psychological health, recognising that the two are closely connected and that each can have a significant impact on the other. His private practice mirrors the work he undertakes within the NHS at the Eastman Dental Hospital, UCLH.
Many patients will be referred to Dr Shute at some point during their care, reflecting the importance of ensuring that the psychological dimensions of treatment are properly considered alongside the clinical ones. Patients are sometimes concerned that an appointment will feel like an assessment or a test they need to pass. In practice, most find it to be a collaborative and supportive conversation, and much more helpful than they had anticipated.
His work centres on helping patients think through the benefits and potential drawbacks of physical treatment, so that decisions are made with a full and realistic understanding of what to expect. Where appropriate, he may explore additional options such as psychological therapy, which can sometimes be helpful alongside surgical treatment. The aim is to give patients the best possible chance of feeling genuinely satisfied with both their treatment and the decisions they made along the way.
Liaison psychiatry