Northern Ireland guide · Updated June 2026
ADHD & Autism Assessment in Northern Ireland
NHS Right to Choose does not apply in Northern Ireland. This guide explains the HSC Trust pathway, private assessment options from RQIA-registered providers, and practical steps for adults and children seeking assessment.
NHS Right to Choose does not apply in Northern Ireland. The policy is England-only. Assessment in Northern Ireland is through the HSC Trust system. Private providers regulated by RQIA offer a faster alternative.
Your assessment routes in Northern Ireland
HSC Trust pathway
Referral from GP to CAMHS (children) or adult mental health services. Waits are among the longest in the UK.
Private assessment (RQIA-registered)
No GP referral required. Clinics in Belfast; online providers serve all of Northern Ireland.
HSC Trust wait times
These are indicative estimates. Actual waits change — ask your GP for the current position at your local Trust when requesting a referral.
Belfast Health and Social Care Trust
Belfast and surrounding areas
24–48 months
est. ADHD wait
Largest HSC Trust. Adult ADHD assessment via psychiatry services. Children via CAMHS. RQIA-registered private clinics in Belfast offer an alternative.
South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust
North Down, Ards, Lisburn, Castlereagh
24–48 months
est. ADHD wait
Covers the greater Belfast commuter belt south and east.
Northern Health and Social Care Trust
Antrim, Ballymena, Ballymoney, Coleraine, Larne, Magherafelt, Moyle
36–60 months
est. ADHD wait
Rural and semi-rural areas. Significant waits. Online private providers are the most practical option for many patients.
Southern Health and Social Care Trust
Armagh, Banbridge, Craigavon, Newry and Mourne, Down
36–60 months
est. ADHD wait
Covers southern NI including border areas. Long waits. Some patients access private providers across the border in the Republic of Ireland.
Western Health and Social Care Trust
Derry/Londonderry, Fermanagh, Strabane, Omagh, Limavady
36–60 months
est. ADHD wait
Western NI including rural areas. Significant waits. Online private providers are the most accessible alternative.
Private assessment in Northern Ireland
Private neurodevelopmental clinics in Northern Ireland are regulated by the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA). When choosing a private provider in Northern Ireland, confirm they are RQIA-registered.
Private clinics operate in Belfast, and several online providers accept patients from anywhere in Northern Ireland. Private ADHD assessments typically cost £450–£1,400. Autism assessments typically cost £1,495–£2,500.
After a private diagnosis, you may ask your GP to prescribe ADHD medication under a shared care arrangement. GP practices in Northern Ireland vary in their willingness to accept shared care from private providers — check before booking.
How to get an NHS referral in Northern Ireland
Book a GP appointment
Describe your concerns and request a referral to CAMHS (for children under 18) or adult mental health services. Bring a written record of how symptoms affect daily life.
Ask for a referral to the neurodevelopmental team
Some HSC Trusts have specialist neurodevelopmental teams. Ask your GP to refer specifically to these rather than general adult mental health, which may have different (sometimes shorter) waits for ADHD.
Request written confirmation
Ask your GP for written confirmation that the referral has been sent. Follow up with the HSC Trust after 4–6 weeks if you have not received an acknowledgement.
Consider private assessment
Given the length of HSC waits, many families and adults in Northern Ireland choose private assessment. RQIA-registered providers in Belfast and online providers are the most accessible routes.
Frequently asked questions
Does NHS Right to Choose apply in Northern Ireland?
No. NHS Right to Choose is an England-only policy. Assessment in Northern Ireland is through the Health and Social Care (HSC) Trust system. RQIA-registered private providers offer a faster alternative.
How long is the wait for an ADHD assessment in Northern Ireland?
HSC waiting times for ADHD assessment in Northern Ireland are among the longest in the UK, typically 2–5 years or more. Private assessment from an RQIA-registered provider is typically available within 2–8 weeks.
Who regulates private healthcare providers in Northern Ireland?
The Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA) regulates private healthcare in Northern Ireland. Look for RQIA registration when choosing a private assessment provider.
Is a private diagnosis accepted by HSC GPs in Northern Ireland?
A diagnosis from an RQIA-registered provider is clinically valid. Some HSC GPs will accept this for shared care prescribing of ADHD medication; others will not. Check your GP practice's position before committing to private assessment.
Find providers near you in Northern Ireland
Enter your Northern Ireland postcode to find private ADHD and autism assessment providers near you.
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