Right to Choose ADHD Assessment in England
Two ways to get an ADHD assessment: an eligible NHS Right to Choose referral, or a private assessment you book directly. We explain both, so you can pick the route that fits.
- GMC: 06032945
- Adults & children from age 6
- Clear steps, no jargon
Which route suits you?
NHS Right to Choose
You want an NHS-funded assessment and are happy to start with your GP.
Private assessment
You prefer to book directly and are comfortable paying the provider’s fees.
Availability and eligibility depend on the provider and your circumstances.
NHS or Private: the basics side by side
The right route depends on your eligibility, budget and the services on offer.
NHS Right to Choose | Private Assessment | |
|---|---|---|
Cost | NHS-funded if you are eligible | Paid by you, at the provider’s fees |
Referral | Generally needs a GP referral | Can usually be booked directly |
Waiting | Varies by provider. Ask for current figures | Ask about current appointment availability |
After assessment | Follow-up and medication monitoring vary | Confirm what follow-up is included |
Best if | You want NHS funding and can go through your GP | You want to book directly and pay |
What is Right to Choose for ADHD Assessment?
Right to Choose is a patient-choice pathway within the NHS in England. Eligible patients may be able to choose an appropriate provider for certain NHS-funded referrals.
Check Eligibility
Your location, GP registration, clinical circumstances and the provider’s NHS contract can affect whether the pathway is available to you.
Use the Referral Route
Right to Choose generally involves an appropriate GP referral. It is not the same as booking a private assessment directly.
Confirm Service Details
Ask about age criteria, waiting times, assessment format and what follow-up care is included before choosing a provider.
Note
Right to Choose applies to eligible patients in England. Different arrangements apply in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Right to Choose ADHD Assessmentfor Children 6 Aged and Over
Parents and carers in England may be able to ask about an NHS Right to Choose referral for a child aged 6 or older who may have ADHD. It depends on the child’s circumstances and whether the provider accepts their age group.
When to consider an assessment
Worth discussing when a child has ongoing difficulties with attention, impulsivity or hyperactivity that affect learning, family life, friendships or everyday activities.
- Write down your concerns, with examples from daily life.
- Gather relevant information from school or other settings.
- Discuss your child’s needs with their GP.
How the referral works
Ask the GP whether a Right to Choose referral is appropriate, and check the provider accepts your child’s age.
- Confirm the provider’s age limits and referral criteria.
- Complete the parent or carer questionnaires and forms.
- Ask what school information is needed and what happens afterwards.
Important
Not every provider assesses children, and minimum ages and requirements differ. Confirm eligibility with the provider before requesting a referral. An assessment does not guarantee an ADHD diagnosis.
Right to Choose ADHD Assessment for Adults
Adults in England who are concerned they may have ADHD can discuss their symptoms with their GP and ask whether an NHS Right to Choose referral may be suitable.
When to consider an assessment
ADHD-related difficulties can affect work, study, relationships, organisation and time management. An assessment explores symptoms, their impact and developmental history.
- Note examples of difficulties across different parts of your life.
- Think about whether similar difficulties were present earlier in life.
- Discuss your concerns and their impact with your GP.
How to use Right to Choose
If the pathway is appropriate, check the provider’s NHS service and referral instructions before asking your GP to refer you.
- Check the provider accepts adult referrals for your circumstances.
- Review the forms and questionnaires required.
- Ask what the assessment includes and what follow-up is available.
Important
Right to Choose applies to eligible patients in England and depends on NHS rules and provider arrangements. An assessment may or may not result in an ADHD diagnosis.
NHS Referral Route
How to get an ADHD Assessment through Right to Choose
A general guide. Your GP and chosen provider can confirm the current process for your circumstances.
Speak to your GP
Discuss your symptoms and how they affect daily life. Your GP can consider whether a referral is appropriate.
Choose a Provider
Check NHS eligibility, age limits, referral requirements and available services.
Prepare Information
Follow the provider’s instructions for referral forms, questionnaires and supporting information.
Request Referral
Ask your GP to refer you to the eligible provider through the appropriate pathway.
Follow Next Steps
Once accepted, the provider explains appointments, questionnaires and the assessment process.
Private Appointment
How to Book a Private ADHD Assessment
Private assessments are arranged directly with the provider and are subject to private fees and the provider’s clinical and booking requirements.
Before you book
- Review the assessment process and age eligibility.
- Confirm the full fee and any additional charges.
- Check clinician qualifications and what is included.
- Ask about follow-up and ongoing care.
What happens next?
- Complete the booking form or contact the team.
- Fill in any pre-assessment forms.
- Attend the appointment and discuss your symptoms and history.
- Review the clinician’s findings and recommended next steps.
A diagnosis or specific treatment outcome cannot be guaranteed.
The Assessment
What happens during an ADHD Assessment?
An assessment explores whether your experiences are consistent with ADHD, and whether another explanation may better account for your symptoms.
Symptoms and Daily Life
Current symptoms and how they affect work, education, relationships and everyday activities.
Personal History
Developmental and childhood history, relevant medical history, and experiences across different settings.
Next Steps
The clinician explains the outcome and any appropriate support or treatment. Assessment does not automatically mean diagnosis or medication.
Waiting Times
How long will you wait?
Waiting times vary by provider, referral volume, clinical capacity and the stage of care. Check the provider’s latest published information, and ask whether the estimate covers the initial assessment, the diagnostic outcome or later treatment.
For private assessments, ask about current appointment availability and the time needed to complete the process. Avoid relying on outdated estimates.
After Assessment
What happens after a diagnosis?
Depending on clinical need and the service, next steps may include support strategies, medication, follow-up and ongoing monitoring.
Check whether your provider offers follow-up, medication initiation and monitoring. Shared-care prescribing with a GP is not guaranteed and depends on clinical and local arrangements.
Care Journey
Your ADHD Care Journey
From your first assessment to treatment planning and ongoing support.
ADHD Assessment
A comprehensive assessment of symptoms, history and their impact on daily life.
Diagnosis & Feedback
Review the findings and discuss whether the diagnostic criteria for ADHD are met.
Treatment Plan
Next steps may include medication, psychological support or practical strategies, depending on need.
Ongoing Follow-Up
Review progress and treatment effectiveness, and adjust the plan where appropriate.
Services after assessment can differ between NHS Right to Choose and private providers. Confirm whether treatment, medication monitoring and follow-up are included before you choose.
Ready to take the next step?
Choose the route that fits you. You can still ask questions before you commit.