What is NHS Right to Choose for ADHD?

NHS Right to Choose is a policy in England that allows patients to ask their GP to refer them to any CQC-registered provider for an ADHD assessment at no cost to the patient. The NHS funds the assessment in full. It is not available in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland, where patients must be assessed through their devolved health board.

How much does a private ADHD assessment cost in the UK?

Private ADHD assessments in the UK typically cost between £450 and £1,400 for the initial assessment, depending on the provider, age group, and whether the clinic is online or in-person. Medication titration and follow-up appointments are often charged separately.

How much does a private autism assessment cost in the UK?

Private autism assessments in the UK typically cost between £1,200 and £2,500, depending on the provider and whether a child or adult is being assessed. Combined AuDHD assessments (covering both ADHD and autism) are also available and can be more cost-effective than booking separately.

How long does it take to get an ADHD assessment in the UK?

NHS waiting times can exceed several years in some areas. Via NHS Right to Choose, waits are typically 12–24 weeks. Private ADHD assessments can usually be booked within 2–6 weeks.

Can my child get an ADHD or autism assessment through NHS Right to Choose?

NHS Right to Choose in England covers children under 18 as well as adults, though not all providers accept under-18s. Seen Sooner filters providers by age group so you only see suitable options for your child.

Is Seen Sooner free to use?

Yes — Seen Sooner is completely free. We never charge for the matching service. Providers may charge for assessments, which we display upfront so you can compare costs before deciding.

Do I need a GP referral for an ADHD or autism assessment?

For NHS Right to Choose you need your GP to issue a referral letter. For fully private assessments, most providers accept self-referral, though some ask for a GP letter as background. In Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, a GP referral is always required for NHS-funded assessment.

How much does an autism assessment cost in the UK?

Private autism assessments in the UK typically cost between £1,200 and £2,500, depending on the provider and whether a child or adult is being assessed. Combined AuDHD assessments covering both ADHD and autism are also available and can be more cost-effective than booking separately.

Is an ADHD or autism diagnosis from a private provider accepted by the NHS?

Yes. A diagnosis from a CQC-registered private provider is clinically valid and should be accepted by NHS GPs for shared care arrangements. However, some GPs and ICBs may resist prescribing medication under shared care — it is advisable to check your local policy before booking.

ADHD Assessment in the UK:
Your Complete Guide (2026)

Everything you need to know about getting an ADHD or autism assessment in the UK — NHS Right to Choose, private options, typical costs, wait times, and what to expect during the process.

This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your GP or a qualified clinician before making any healthcare decisions.

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What is an ADHD assessment?

An ADHD assessment is a structured clinical evaluation carried out by a trained professional — usually a psychiatrist, psychologist, or specialist nurse — to determine whether someone meets the diagnostic criteria for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) as defined by DSM-5 or ICD-10/11.

The assessment looks at your history of attention difficulties, hyperactivity, impulsivity, and executive function across different settings (home, school, work). Clinicians use standardised rating scales and a detailed clinical interview to build a full picture before reaching a diagnosis.

ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental conditions, affecting an estimated 5% of children and 3–4% of adults in the UK. Despite its prevalence, diagnosis can be difficult to access quickly through the NHS — which is why routes like NHS Right to Choose and private assessment have become increasingly important.

NHS Right to Choose explained

NHS Right to Choose is a policy in England, set out in the NHS Constitution, that allows patients to ask their GP to refer them to any CQC-registered provider for a specialist assessment — including ADHD — at no cost to the patient. The NHS funds the entire assessment.

Key point: Your GP cannot refuse a Right to Choose referral on the grounds of local waiting times or ICB contracts, provided the provider is CQC-registered and willing to accept the referral. If your GP declines, show them the NHS England Right to Choose guidance.

Not all CQC-registered providers accept NHS Right to Choose funding — Seen Sooner filters to show only those that do, ranked by wait time and service rating.

Who is eligible?

Any patient registered with a GP in England
Adults (18+) and children (under 18) — though provider availability varies by age group
Patients with an existing ADHD diagnosis seeking a second opinion or medication review may also be eligible

How to use NHS Right to Choose

Use Seen Sooner to identify a provider that accepts Right to Choose and suits your needs.
Book an appointment with your GP and ask them to issue a Right to Choose referral to your chosen provider.
The provider contacts you to book your assessment. You pay nothing.

Private ADHD assessment in the UK

A fully private ADHD assessment is paid for by you and requires no GP referral at most providers. It is the fastest route to a diagnosis, typically available within 2–6 weeks.

Private assessments are conducted by the same types of clinicians (psychiatrists, psychologists) as NHS assessments and follow the same diagnostic criteria. A diagnosis from a CQC-registered private provider carries the same clinical validity as an NHS diagnosis.

Watch out for shared care:After a private diagnosis, you will usually want your GP to prescribe ADHD medication on an ongoing basis (shared care). Some NHS GPs decline shared care agreements from private providers. It is worth checking your GP practice's position before booking.

Online vs in-person private assessment

Most private providers now offer video assessments, which are equally valid and more convenient. In-person assessments are available at clinics across the UK for those who prefer face-to-face contact.

Comparing assessment routes

Route	Cost	Typical wait	GP referral	Notes
NHS Right to Choose (England only)	Free	12–24 weeks (provider dependent)	Required	Best value; adults and children eligible
Standard NHS referral	Free	1–5 years (area dependent)	Required	Devolved nations only; significant wait risk
Fully private	£450–£1,400	2–6 weeks	Optional	Fastest route; shared care may vary by GP

ADHD assessment costs in the UK

The cost of a private ADHD assessment varies considerably by provider, type (adult/child), and format (online/in-person). Here is a typical cost breakdown.

Adult ADHD assessment

Initial assessment: £450–£950

Medication titration: £150–£400 (often additional)

Follow-up appointments: £80–£200 per session

Estimated year-1 total: £600–£1,400

Child ADHD assessment

Initial assessment: £600–£1,200

Report and letter: Usually included

Medication titration: £100–£300 (often additional)

Estimated year-1 total: £700–£1,500

NHS Right to Choose costs nothing — the assessment and any follow-up within the Right to Choose pathway is fully funded by NHS England. This is almost always the best-value route for patients registered with a GP in England.

How long does an ADHD assessment take to get in the UK?

1–5+ years

Standard NHS

12–24 weeks

NHS Right to Choose

2–6 weeks

Private

Standard NHS waiting times for ADHD assessment have grown significantly in recent years. Some NHS Trusts have waiting lists of three to five years for adults and even longer for children in some areas. These delays are why NHS Right to Choose and private routes have become so important.

Right to Choose wait times vary by provider — typically 12 to 24 weeks — as providers must allocate funded NHS slots alongside private bookings. Private assessment is the fastest route, with most providers able to offer an appointment within two to six weeks of enquiry.

ADHD assessment for children in the UK

Children under 18 can be assessed for ADHD through both NHS and private routes. In England, NHS Right to Choose applies to children as well as adults, though fewer providers accept under-18s via this route.

NHS CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) provides the standard route for children in all four UK nations. CAMHS waits for ADHD assessment are among the longest in the NHS — some areas report waits exceeding five years.

Key differences for child assessments

A school report or teacher questionnaire is usually required alongside parent/carer information
Some providers require the child to be a minimum age (typically 6–7 for ADHD, 5 for autism)
ADHD medication for children is usually initiated by a specialist and then shared with the GP
Stimulant medication (methylphenidate, lisdexamfetamine) is approved from age 5 for ADHD in the UK

What happens during an ADHD assessment?

A UK ADHD assessment typically takes place across one to three appointments and follows a structured process.

1
1. Pre-assessment questionnaires
You will complete standardised rating scales before your appointment — typically the Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scales (CAARS), DIVA-5 questionnaire, or similar tools. For children, a teacher questionnaire is also usually required.
2
2. Clinical interview
A psychiatrist or specialist nurse conducts a structured interview covering your developmental history, symptoms across different environments, and the impact on your daily life. For children, a parent/carer is usually interviewed separately.
3
3. Cognitive or neuropsychological testing (where applicable)
Some providers include cognitive testing (such as Qbtest or CPT) to support the diagnosis. This is not always required but can be useful for complex presentations.
4
4. Diagnostic report
The clinician reviews all information and issues a diagnostic report, usually within 1–4 weeks. The report confirms or rules out ADHD and may make recommendations for medication, therapy, or workplace/school adjustments.
5
5. Medication titration (if ADHD is confirmed)
If you are diagnosed and wish to explore medication, a titration phase begins. A stimulant or non-stimulant is started at a low dose and adjusted over several weeks. Once stable, prescribing is ideally transferred to your NHS GP under a shared care agreement.

ADHD assessment in England, Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland

England

NHS Right to Choose is available. Ask your GP to refer you to any CQC-registered provider of your choice. Funding comes from NHS England and costs you nothing. Not all GPs are familiar with the policy — if declined, point them to NHS England guidance.

Scotland

Right to Choose does not apply. Referrals go through your local NHS Board neurodevelopmental pathway. Waiting times vary by Health Board but can exceed two years. Private assessment is the fastest alternative.

Wales

Right to Choose does not apply in Wales. You must be referred through your Local Health Board. Some health boards have longer waits than others. Private providers operating in Wales can be accessed without a referral.

Northern Ireland

Right to Choose does not apply. Assessment is through your GP and local CAMHS or adult mental health services. Waits can be significant. Private providers operating in Northern Ireland offer faster routes.

After your ADHD diagnosis

An ADHD diagnosis opens access to a range of support. Here is what to expect next.

Medication: Stimulant medication (methylphenidate, lisdexamfetamine, dexamphetamine) and non-stimulant options (atomoxetine, guanfacine) are licensed for ADHD in the UK. Your prescriber will discuss which is appropriate for you. Medication typically improves focus, reduces impulsivity, and can significantly improve daily functioning.

Workplace and educational adjustments: An ADHD diagnosis entitles you to reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act 2010. In education, you may qualify for extra exam time, a reader/scribe, or a support plan. At work, reasonable adjustments could include flexible working, written rather than verbal instructions, or noise-cancelling headphones.

Therapy and coaching: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) adapted for ADHD and ADHD coaching can help with organisation, time management, and emotional regulation. These are particularly effective alongside medication.

Blue Badge and benefits: Severe ADHD can qualify for PIP (Personal Independence Payment) and, in some cases, a Blue Badge. These are assessed on impact rather than diagnosis alone.

Frequently asked questions

Can adults self-refer for an ADHD assessment in the UK?

For private assessments, most UK providers allow adults to self-refer without a GP letter, though some prefer one. For NHS Right to Choose, you must ask your GP to issue a referral — your GP cannot lawfully refuse.

Do I need a GP referral for an ADHD assessment?

For NHS Right to Choose you need a GP referral letter. For private assessments, most providers accept self-referral. In Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, a GP referral is required for any NHS-funded assessment.

What is the difference between ADHD and autism assessments?

ADHD assessments focus on attention, hyperactivity, and executive function using tools like DIVA or Conners. Autism assessments focus on social communication and sensory processing using ADOS-2 or ADI-R. Some providers offer combined AuDHD pathways assessing both together, which can be more cost-effective.

Is an ADHD diagnosis from a private provider accepted by the NHS?

Yes. A diagnosis from a CQC-registered private provider is clinically valid and should be accepted by NHS GPs for shared care medication arrangements. However, some GPs and ICBs may decline shared care — check your practice's position before booking.

What is shared care for ADHD medication?

Shared care is an arrangement where a specialist initiates ADHD medication and then transfers ongoing prescriptions to your NHS GP. Not all GPs accept shared care from private providers. Seen Sooner highlights which providers offer shared care support.

Can I get an autism assessment at the same time as an ADHD assessment?

Yes — some providers offer a combined AuDHD pathway that assesses for both ADHD and autism in one process. This can save time and money compared to separate assessments. Use Seen Sooner's AuDHD filter to find these providers.

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