A complete guide to securing an NHS ADHD assessment faster
Source: ADHD UK | Psychiatry-UK
Over 2 million adults in the UK are estimated to have undiagnosed ADHD. NHS waiting lists for assessment now exceed 5 years in many areas. But Right to Choose - a legal right under the NHS Act 2006 - lets you bypass the wait entirely. Most people don't know it exists.
Source: BBC News ADHD investigation, 2024 | ADHD UK
Right to Choose is NHS-funded. No private fees, no hidden costs.
Unlike private ADHD assessments which cost between 1,000 and 3,000, Right to Choose is entirely funded by the NHS. You get the same quality diagnostic assessment without paying a penny. Your GP sends a standard NHS referral - the only difference is you choose where it goes.
Reduce your wait from 5+ years to weeks or months.
Right to Choose providers like Psychiatry-UK and Clinical Partners have dramatically shorter waiting times than local NHS services. Many patients are seen within 2-6 months. Some providers offer initial screening within weeks. The difference is life-changing.
Source: Psychiatry-UK
This isn't a loophole. It's your legal right under the NHS Act 2006.
Section 75 of the NHS Act 2006 gives every patient in England the right to choose their healthcare provider when waiting times exceed 18 weeks. Your GP cannot refuse. Your ICB must fund it. If anyone blocks you, there are clear escalation routes - and the law is on your side.
Source: legislation.gov.uk
Full diagnostic assessment by specialist ADHD clinicians.
Right to Choose providers are NHS-commissioned and regulated. You get a comprehensive clinical assessment - not a quick screening. Results go into your NHS records. If diagnosed, medication can be initiated immediately by the provider and transferred to your GP for ongoing prescriptions.
Right to Choose is your legal right to be assessed for ADHD by any NHS-funded provider of your choice, rather than waiting for your local NHS service.
Right to Choose is part of Section 75 of the NHS Act 2006. It gives you the right to choose where and how you receive NHS-funded care for a non-emergency condition. For ADHD, this means you can request your GP referral go to a provider outside your local area, potentially cutting waiting times from years to weeks.
Source: NHS Act 2006, Section 75 - legislation.gov.uk
Normally, your GP referral would go to your local NHS ADHD service (usually part of your local Integrated Care Board or mental health trust). That service has a long waiting list - sometimes 5+ years. Right to Choose lets you:
Source: BBC News - ADHD waiting times investigation
You can use Right to Choose if:
Source: NHS - Your choices in the NHS
Free at point of use. Legal right. Doesn't require a private diagnosis. Results feed into NHS records. Assessment is thorough and diagnostic. Medication can be prescribed via NHS.
You pay out of pocket (typically 1,000 - 3,000+). No legal guarantee of access. Faster but costly. Results are private unless you share them. Still requires GP follow-up for NHS treatment.
Here's exactly how to use your Right to Choose:
ADHD presents as inattention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity present since childhood. Download our free symptom checklist to prepare.
Tell your GP you want a referral for ADHD assessment. You don't need to mention Right to Choose yet.
Research providers (Psychiatry-UK, Clinical Partners, ADHD 360). Get their referral details and bring them to your GP.
Your GP sends your referral directly to your chosen provider. Standard NHS referral - no special paperwork.
The provider contacts you to schedule. Attend via telehealth or in person. Typically takes 2-6 months.
Use our free GP letter template below to prepare for your appointment.
Understanding the law helps you push back if your GP or ICB tries to block your Right to Choose.
Patients have a legal right to choose any willing NHS-funded provider for their first outpatient appointment in any specialty, as long as waiting times are longer than 18 weeks and the patient meets the clinical referral criteria.
Source: legislation.gov.uk
Your local NHS ADHD service's waiting list almost certainly exceeds 18 weeks. This makes you automatically eligible for Right to Choose. You don't need to prove hardship or special circumstances.
Source: NHS - Guide to waiting times
Your GP's job is to send the referral to the provider you name. They cannot refuse to send it on the grounds that "the provider is out of area" or "you should see our local service." The referral is a standard NHS referral, not a special request.
Once you've named a provider, your GP must send the referral to that provider. They cannot unilaterally change it or send it to the local service instead. If they do, that's a breach of your Right to Choose.
Your ICB (local NHS commissioning body) has a duty to fund Right to Choose assessments. A few ICBs have tried to restrict it; this is unlawful unless they can prove they have no capacity. See ICB restrictions section below.
A small number of ICBs have attempted to restrict or pause Right to Choose for ADHD. Here's what you need to know:
Status: Attempted to pause Right to Choose (2023-2024). Legal challenge ongoing.
If you're affected: You still have a legal right. If your GP says "our ICB won't fund it," ask them to:
Status: Temporary pause on Right to Choose (2024). Current status uncertain; recommend checking their latest ADHD pathway.
If you're affected: Contact Greater Manchester ICB's commissioning team directly. Right to Choose remains your legal right; the pause is not law.
Status: Known capacity issues; may delay Right to Choose referrals.
If you're affected: Ask your GP to send the referral in writing. If delayed beyond 18 weeks, escalate to your ICB's Right to Choose lead (all ICBs have one).
Use this letter to request your Right to Choose referral. Print it, fill in the provider details, and bring it to your GP appointment. Your GP can use this as a template for their referral.
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Postcode]
[Date]
[Your GP's Name]
[GP Practice Name]
[Practice Address]
[Practice Postcode]
Dear [GP Name],
I am writing to request a referral for ADHD assessment under my Right to Choose (Section 75, NHS Act 2006).
My symptoms: I experience persistent difficulties with [inattention / hyperactivity / impulsivity / focus / organisation / time management - choose as relevant], which have been present since childhood and significantly impact my daily functioning at work / home / socially.
Provider choice: I wish to be referred to [PROVIDER NAME] for assessment. Their contact details are [provider's Right to Choose email/referral address].
Legal basis: Under Section 75 of the NHS Act 2006, I have a legal right to choose any willing NHS-funded provider for ADHD assessment, provided waiting times at my local service exceed 18 weeks (which they do). I request that you send my referral directly to the provider named above.
I have attached [list: symptom checklist / medical history / relevant records]. Please confirm receipt of this request and advise on next steps.
Thank you for your support in accessing this assessment.
Yours sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Printed Name]
If your GP refuses to refer you, here's how to escalate:
If your GP verbally refuses, ask them to put the reason in writing. Common (and unlawful) reasons: "We don't do Right to Choose," "The provider is too far away," "You should see our local service first." None of these are valid legal grounds.
If your GP refuses, email the practice manager. Explain that Right to Choose is a legal right under Section 75, NHS Act 2006, and your GP is in breach by refusing. Ask for a second opinion from another GP at the practice.
PALS (Patient Advice and Liaison Service) exists to investigate NHS complaints. Call or email your local PALS and state that your GP is breaching your Right to Choose. They can investigate and push your practice to comply.
Your MP can raise this as a constituent issue with the NHS. Email your local MP explaining that you've been denied a legal right to healthcare. They can escalate to NHS England on your behalf.
Use your NHS trust's formal complaints procedure. State clearly: "My GP has breached my Right to Choose under Section 75, NHS Act 2006, by refusing to refer me to my chosen provider." Include dates, names, and evidence of the refusal.
These are the main NHS-funded providers offering Right to Choose ADHD assessments. All are legitimate, regulated, and can assess via online appointments. Research each before choosing.
Established provider. Thorough, diagnostic-focused assessment. Online appointments available.
Private NHS-commissioned service. Fast-track pathways. Diagnostic quality is generally strong. Telehealth available.
Specialist ADHD service. Strong clinical reputation. Accessible and thorough. Comprehensive assessment pathway.
Large healthcare provider with NHS-commissioned ADHD services. Multiple sites. Mixed availability depending on location.
Your default local ADHD service. Long wait. Unless you are OK waiting years, Right to Choose is specifically designed to avoid this option.
Some NHS trusts and specialized services offer Right to Choose. Ask your GP for local options. Not all GPs are aware of all providers.
Consider: wait times, location (or telehealth availability), clinician experience, and patient reviews. Psychiatry-UK is the largest and most established. Clinical Partners is fastest. All are regulated and safe. Choose based on your preferences.
Everything you need to prepare for your Right to Choose journey.
Right to Choose gets you the assessment. My ADHD Path helps you navigate everything after: treatment options, medication, lifestyle changes, and ongoing support.