Step-by-step guide · Updated June 2026
How to Get an Adult ADHD Assessment in the UK
Getting an ADHD assessment as an adult in the UK can feel complicated — but once you understand the routes available, the process is straightforward. This guide walks you through every step, from recognising symptoms to receiving your report and accessing treatment.
This guide is for information only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about assessment or treatment.
Your options at a glance
NHS Right to Choose
England onlyNHS Standard Referral
All UKPrivate Assessment
All UKStep-by-step: from suspicion to diagnosis
Recognise the symptoms and keep a record
Adult ADHD presents differently in different people. Common signs include persistent difficulty concentrating, poor organisation, impulsivity, restlessness, emotional dysregulation, and problems with time management. Before seeing a professional, it helps to keep a diary of how these symptoms affect your work, relationships, and daily life. The more specific examples you can provide, the more useful the assessment appointment will be.
Decide between NHS Right to Choose and private
In England, most adults can access an ADHD assessment via NHS Right to Choose — a policy that lets you ask your GP to refer you to any CQC-registered private provider at NHS cost (free to you). Wait times are typically 12–26 weeks depending on the provider. If you are in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland — or want a faster appointment than Right to Choose allows — a fully private assessment is usually the next step, typically available within 2–6 weeks.
Book a GP appointment
For NHS Right to Choose, your GP must issue a referral letter to the provider you choose. By law, your GP cannot refuse a Right to Choose referral to an eligible CQC-registered provider. Come prepared with specific examples of how your symptoms affect your daily functioning, and the name and CQC registration number of the provider you want to be referred to. For a fully private assessment you can self-refer directly with most providers — no GP letter needed.
Choose a provider
Use Seen Sooner to find providers matched to your postcode, age group, and preference. Key things to check: whether the provider is CQC-registered, their current wait time, price (for private), whether they offer shared care medication support after diagnosis, and whether they have experience assessing adults (not just children).
Prepare for your assessment
A typical adult ADHD assessment involves one or more clinical interviews, standardised rating scales (such as the DIVA 2.0 or Conners scales), and sometimes a collateral interview with someone who knew you as a child. You will usually be asked to provide evidence of childhood symptoms — school reports, letters from parents, or old report cards are helpful. You may also be asked to complete questionnaires before your appointment.
Receive your diagnosis and report
After your assessment, the clinician will review the findings and issue a written diagnostic report — usually within 1–4 weeks. If ADHD is diagnosed, the report will typically include recommendations for treatment, which may include medication and/or therapy. Keep a copy of your report as you will need it to access ongoing care.
Arrange medication and follow-up care
If ADHD medication is recommended, the prescribing provider will usually initiate a titration programme — a structured process to find the right type and dose of medication. Many private providers offer shared care arrangements, where your NHS GP takes over ongoing prescription once you are stabilised. Not all GPs accept shared care — it is worth asking before you book.
Frequently asked questions
Can I self-refer for an adult ADHD assessment in the UK?
For fully private assessments, most providers allow adults to self-refer — no GP letter is required. For NHS Right to Choose (England only), a GP referral is mandatory. Your GP cannot legally refuse to refer you to a CQC-registered provider under Right to Choose.
How much does an adult ADHD assessment cost privately?
Private adult ADHD assessments in the UK typically cost between £650 and £1,400 for the initial assessment. Some providers offer combined ADHD and autism (AuDHD) assessments. Medication titration and follow-up appointments are usually charged separately. Via NHS Right to Choose, there is no cost to the patient.
How long does an adult ADHD assessment take?
The assessment itself usually takes 2–4 hours across one or two appointments. Some providers conduct the entire process online. Written reports are typically issued within 1–4 weeks of the final appointment.
What if my GP refuses to refer me under Right to Choose?
Under the NHS Constitution, patients in England have a legal right to choose their provider for an outpatient referral. If your GP refuses, ask them to record the refusal in writing and the clinical reason. You can raise a formal complaint with your GP practice or contact your ICB (Integrated Care Board). ADHD UK provides template letters for patients to use with their GP.
Will my private ADHD diagnosis be accepted by the NHS?
A diagnosis from a CQC-registered provider should be clinically accepted by NHS GPs for shared care purposes. However, some GPs and ICBs decline to prescribe under shared care — it is advisable to ask your GP whether they accept shared care before paying for a private assessment.
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