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.
Don't wait years for an NHS assessment. Know your rights, pick your provider, and take control of your ADHD journey today.