NHS vs Private ADHD Assessment in the UK
30 January 2026 (updated 05 February) · Kiri Babbage
✔️ Medically Reviewed: 30 January 2026 by Anuradha Kohli
30 January 2026 (updated 05 February) · Kiri Babbage
✔️ Medically Reviewed: 30 January 2026 by Anuradha Kohli
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If you are looking into getting an ADHD assessment in the UK, the options can feel confusing fast.
NHS referrals come with long waiting times [4].
Private assessments promise speed but raise questions about cost, quality and GP acceptance.
Then there is Right to Choose, which sits somewhere in between [5].
Many people get stuck at this point. Not because they do not want answers, but because they are unsure which route is safe, recognised and worth committing to.
In this guide, we will walk through the three main ADHD assessment routes in the UK. NHS, private and Right to Choose. We explain how each works, what to expect after diagnosis and help you choose an option that best fits your situation without any pressure or panic.
There is no single right choice. There is only the route that works best for you.
ADHD is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition [2]. A proper adult ADHD assessment is a clinical process. While ADHD is often discussed in simplified ways online, a reliable assessment involves much more than a checklist or quick screen.
Whether delivered through the NHS or privately, a thorough assessment should include several core elements.
This usually involves:
Good assessments also look at how ADHD symptoms affect you over time, not just how you feel on one day. ADHD presentations change with age, stress and environment [1].
In the UK, assessments should align with NICE guidelines and diagnostic standards such as DSM-5 [1][3]. The setting may differ, but the clinical standard should not.
Not sure yet? You can start with an ADHD screening to understand your symptoms before deciding on next steps.
Most NHS ADHD assessments will start with a GP referral. Your GP refers you to a local NHS ADHD service, which may be run through community mental health teams or specialist clinics [2].
The exact pathway depends on where you live. Some regions have dedicated adult ADHD services with clear referral criteria. Others route referrals through broader mental health services, where ADHD assessments sit alongside other conditions [2].
This variation can make the process feel inconsistent. Two people with similar symptoms may have very different experiences depending on location. This reflects how services are commissioned rather than how ADHD is understood clinically.
Waiting times are the main challenge for most people.
In many parts of the UK, adult ADHD assessments involve waits of months or even years. These delays are widely reported and vary significantly by region. Some services can temporarily pause referrals when demand exceeds the capacity [4].
For some people, waiting is manageable. For others, delays will affect their work performance, relationships and mental health while their symptoms remain unsupported.
This is often the point where people begin to explore alternatives, not to bypass the NHS, but to access support sooner.
The NHS route is free at the point of care. Once diagnosed, care is integrated within NHS services.
Medication prescribing, titration and ongoing monitoring are well established. Shared care with your GP is usually straightforward once treatment begins, because diagnosis and prescribing sit within the same system and follow NICE guidance [1][6].
For people who are able to wait, this route offers you continuity and reassurance.
Long waiting times remain the biggest barrier. The choice of clinician is limited. Appointment times and formats are often fixed, with less flexibility.
Follow-up appointments may be spaced far apart due to service pressure, which can delay treatment adjustments or additional support.
These limitations are not a reflection of clinical quality. They reflect system capacity and rising demand for adult ADHD services [4].
Private ADHD assessments allow you to self-refer.
You do not need a GP referral to begin. Waiting times are usually much shorter than NHS routes, often weeks rather than months or years [4].
This route often suits people whose symptoms are already affecting work, relationships or daily wellbeing and who feel they cannot put life on hold while waiting. It is also chosen by people who want more flexibility around appointment times or online delivery.
Speed should not be the only factor. But timely access matters. When symptoms are creating ongoing strain, getting answers sooner can reduce uncertainty and help you move forward with clearer options.
A high-quality private ADHD assessment includes the same clinical components as an NHS assessment. When delivered properly, private assessments follow NICE guidance and recognised diagnostic criteria in the same way as NHS services [1].
At HealthHero, assessments are led by a psychiatrist you actually meet, supported by ADHD-trained clinicians. This approach supports continuity, clinical accountability and a clear, joined-up understanding of your experience across the assessment process.
Private ADHD assessments in the UK vary widely in cost, structure and what is included. This is where clarity matters most.
HealthHero’s adult ADHD assessment is split into two clear steps:
Private assessment gives you faster access, greater flexibility and more choice around your provider and appointment format. For many people, this means getting answers sooner and reducing the strain of waiting while symptoms continue to affect your day-to-day.
Cost is a practical factor to consider, as private care is not funded through the NHS. There is also the question of shared care for medication. Many GPs do accept private diagnoses, especially when assessments meet expected clinical standards and include clear documentation. This is explained later in the guide, as it can help you decide whether a private route fits your situation [6].
Right to Choose is an NHS pathway available in England.
It allows you to access NHS-funded ADHD assessment and treatment delivered by approved private providers, while remaining within the NHS system [5].
You still need a GP referral to use Right to Choose.
However, instead of being referred to your local NHS ADHD service, you can request a specific provider that is commissioned to deliver ADHD assessments under this pathway. This is often used to access shorter waiting times than those offered by local NHS services.
Right to Choose can be helpful when the NHS waiting lists are long and when private fees are not accessible. It gives you a middle ground, combining NHS funding with access to non-local providers.
That said, availability varies. Not all providers have capacity at all times and waiting times, while usually shorter than standard NHS routes, are not instant. Some providers also limit the number of referrals they accept through Right to Choose.
NHS assessments are free at the point of care. The main challenge is waiting time. Delays vary widely by region and can stretch into months or years, which is why many people explore other routes [4].
Private assessments usually offer much faster access, often within weeks. This can make a real difference when symptoms are already affecting your day-to-day work, relationships or wellbeing. The trade-off is cost, which not everyone can accommodate.
Right to Choose sits between the NHS and private routes. It is NHS-funded care delivered by approved private providers. Access depends on where you live, GP support and provider capacity, so availability and speed can vary [5].
With NHS services, clinician choice is limited. You are generally referred to the local service with little control over appointment format or who you see. Private routes allow you to choose a provider and often a named clinician, which can support continuity and confidence.
Medication is possible through all routes, but the pathway differs. NHS diagnoses usually move directly into prescribing within the same system. Private and Right to Choose diagnoses rely more on shared care agreements with your GP once titration is complete. This detail is not always explained early, but it can shape long-term access to treatment [1][6].
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Shared care is an agreement between a specialist and your GP. It allows your GP to continue prescribing ADHD medication after specialist titration is complete [6].
Within the NHS, this usually happens automatically. After a private diagnosis, it depends on your GP.
Some GPs decline shared care for private assessments. This usually comes down to quality. Reports may lack detail. Titration plans may be unclear. The provider may not meet expected clinical standards, such as following NICE guidance or involving a GMC-registered psychiatrist [1][6][7].
You reduce this risk by checking early. Speak to your GP before assessment. Choose a provider with clear clinical governance. Make sure your assessment includes a full diagnostic report and a clear titration plan.
HealthHero assessments are built with shared care in mind. They follow NICE guidance and provide the documentation GPs expect to support ongoing prescribing [1][7].
Quality matters more than speed or price.
A high-quality ADHD assessment is led by a General Medical Council-registered psychiatrist and includes:
Red flags include:
These approaches increase the risk of misdiagnosis and problems with ongoing care.
The right ADHD assessment route depends on what matters most in your situation.
If speed matters, a private assessment or Right to Choose may suit you better. This is often the case when symptoms are affecting aspects of your work, relationships or mental health and waiting is not realistic [4][5].
If cost matters most and waiting feels manageable, the NHS route may be appropriate. Although delays can be long, care is fully integrated once you reach assessment and diagnosis [2].
If medication access and continuity matter, shared care planning should influence your choice. NHS diagnoses usually move smoothly into ongoing prescribing. Private and Right to Choose routes require clearer planning with your GP, which is easier when this is considered early [1][6].
If you live in England, Right to Choose may be an option worth exploring. It gives you NHS-funded care with access to non-local providers, though availability and waiting times still vary [5].
There is no wrong decision. The right route is the one that works around what you need, your capacity and priorities at this point in time.
Explore an private ADHD assessment
Assessments are led by GMC-registered psychiatrists and ADHD-trained clinicians. You meet the clinician who assesses you. This is a full clinical service, not a screening shortcut.
What the assessment includes:
The process runs over up to 12 weeks and moves at your pace, allowing time for proper clinical judgement without rushing any decisions.
Following diagnosis, HealthHero provides:
Explore an ADHD assessment today
Choosing between NHS, private or Right to Choose ADHD assessment routes is not about rushing. It is about clarity, safety and fit.
If waiting times are affecting you, a private ADHD assessment may help you access answers sooner. If you are unsure, starting with symptom education or screening can help you decide your next step.
The most important thing is that your assessment is careful, recognised and supportive of your long-term health.
How long is the NHS ADHD waiting list?
Waiting times vary widely by region. In many parts of the UK, adult ADHD assessments involve waits of several months to multiple years, depending on local service capacity and demand [4].
Is a private ADHD diagnosis accepted by GPs?
Many GPs do accept private ADHD diagnoses, but shared care depends on report quality, adherence to NICE guidance and local GP discretion. Acceptance is more likely when assessments are thorough and clearly documented [1][6].
What is Right to Choose ADHD?
Right to Choose is an NHS pathway in England that allows you to access NHS-funded ADHD assessments delivered by approved private providers. You still need a GP referral, and availability varies [5].
How much does a private ADHD assessment cost?
Private assessment costs vary across the UK. HealthHero’s adult ADHD assessment costs £455 in total, with flexible payment options available and no hidden fees.
Can I get medication after a private diagnosis?
Yes. Medication can be prescribed following a private diagnosis, subject to titration by a specialist and shared care arrangements with your GP once treatment is stabilised [1][6].
Is online ADHD assessment valid in the UK?
Yes. Online ADHD assessments are valid when delivered by qualified clinicians following NICE guidance and recognised diagnostic standards [1].
What happens after diagnosis?
After diagnosis, you should receive a full diagnostic report, clinical letters for your GP or employer, and a treatment plan outlining next steps. Ongoing support may include medication, therapy or lifestyle strategies [1][9].
Can the NHS refuse shared care?
Yes. GPs can decline shared care in some cases, particularly if reports lack detail or do not meet expected clinical standards. Discussing shared care with your GP early can reduce this risk [6].
Why is ADHD often diagnosed later in women?
ADHD is often diagnosed later in women because symptoms are more likely to be internalised. Inattention, emotional overload and chronic mental strain are easier to miss than hyperactivity and are often mistaken for anxiety or stress. Many women reach assessment in adulthood after years of coping without support. Learn more about ADHD in women.
References
[1] NICE. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: diagnosis and management (NG87).
[2] NHS UK. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
[3] American Psychiatric Association. DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for ADHD.
[4] BBC News. ADHD NHS waiting times in the UK.
[5] NHS England. Your Right to Choose.
[6] NHS England. Shared care prescribing.
[7] General Medical Council (GMC). Good medical practice.
[8] NICE. ADHD medication and titration guidance (within NG87).
I am a late diagnosed ADHD woman with 15 years+ in copywriting, storytelling and brand narrative. I take complex health language and shape it into clean, human guidance. I write for HealthHero because people deserve information that helps them feel understood and in control of their health.
