ADHD GP Referral Toolkit: How to Ask Your GP for an ADHD Assessment
Everything you need before asking your GP for an ADHD referral — including a personalised script, symptom summary, and printable appointment notes.This free tool helps you prepare for your ADHD referral appointment with confidence. Generate a personalised script, organise your symptoms, understand your Right to Choose options, and download appointment-ready notes.
Requesting an ADHD referral through your GP in England can feel overwhelming — especially if you are unsure what to say or how NHS Right to Choose works. This ADHD GP Referral Toolkit helps you prepare for an ADHD assessment appointment with structured wording, symptom organisation, and clear guidance aligned with NHS England processes.
How to Ask Your GP for an ADHD Referral
Requesting an ADHD referral from your GP can feel daunting, but preparation makes a significant difference. Before your appointment, write down how your symptoms affect your daily life — including work, relationships, and organisation. Be specific and give examples.
Clearly state that you are requesting a referral for an ADHD assessment. If you are aware of NHS Right to Choose, mention that you would like to exercise this right. Having a preferred provider in mind can help streamline the process — you can compare ADHD providers before your appointment.
Use the toolkit above to generate a personalised referral script and symptom summary that you can bring to your appointment or send via your GP practice's online portal.
What Is NHS Right to Choose?
ADHD Right to Choose is a legal entitlement under the NHS Constitution that allows patients registered with a GP in England to choose which qualified provider delivers their first outpatient appointment. For ADHD, this means you may be able to choose an independent provider for your initial diagnostic assessment rather than waiting within your local NHS pathway.
The right applies when your GP agrees that a referral is clinically appropriate. Learn more in our complete guide to NHS Right to Choose, or check your eligibility using the ADHD Right to Choose Eligibility Checker.
What If My GP Refuses?
Can a GP Refuse an ADHD Referral?
A GP must have a valid clinical reason to refuse a referral for an ADHD assessment. If your GP has refused your ADHD referral or your ADHD referral has been rejected, it is important to understand that Right to Choose applies wherever services are commissioned under the NHS Choice Framework.
If your GP has refused a Right to Choose request, you are entitled to ask for the reasoning in writing. A GP cannot refuse Right to Choose simply because they are unfamiliar with the framework or because their practice does not routinely process such referrals.
If you believe your rights have been denied without valid clinical reason, you can:
- Request their reasoning in writing from the GP practice
- Raise a formal complaint through the GP practice's complaints procedure
- Contact NHS England's customer contact centre for guidance
- Seek support from your local Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)
- Refer to the NHS Choice Framework documentation to support your case
Persistence and clear communication are often helpful. The toolkit above includes specific responses to common GP objections that you can reference during your appointment.
Can a GP Refuse an ADHD Referral?
A GP must have a valid clinical reason to refuse a referral for an ADHD assessment. If your GP has refused your ADHD referral or your ADHD referral has been rejected, it is important to understand that Right to Choose applies wherever services are commissioned under the NHS Choice Framework.
If your GP has refused a Right to Choose request, you are entitled to ask for the reasoning in writing. A GP cannot refuse Right to Choose simply because they are unfamiliar with the framework or because their practice does not routinely process such referrals.
If you believe your rights have been denied without valid clinical reason, you can:
- Request their reasoning in writing from the GP practice
- Raise a formal complaint through the GP practice's complaints procedure
- Contact NHS England's customer contact centre for guidance
- Seek support from your local Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)
- Refer to the NHS Choice Framework documentation to support your case
Persistence and clear communication are often helpful. The toolkit above includes specific responses to common GP objections that you can reference during your appointment.
How Long Does an ADHD Referral Take?
NHS ADHD waiting times vary significantly by region. ADHD waiting times in England through local NHS pathways can exceed two years in some areas, while independent providers accessed through Right to Choose may offer assessments within weeks or months.
The referral process itself is typically straightforward — your GP sends a referral letter to your chosen provider, who then contacts you to arrange an appointment. Processing times vary by provider.
Compare ADHD providers to find current waiting times and availability.
NHS ADHD waiting times vary significantly by region. ADHD waiting times in England through local NHS pathways can exceed two years in some areas, while independent providers accessed through Right to Choose may offer assessments within weeks or months.
The referral process itself is typically straightforward — your GP sends a referral letter to your chosen provider, who then contacts you to arrange an appointment. Processing times vary by provider.
Compare ADHD providers to find current waiting times and availability.
Next Steps After Referral
Once your GP has made the referral, you should:
- Confirm that the referral has been sent by contacting your GP practice
- Contact your chosen provider to confirm receipt and expected timelines
- Prepare for your assessment appointment by reviewing the symptom summary from this toolkit
- Keep copies of all correspondence for your records
If you have not heard from your provider within the expected timeframe, follow up directly with them and your GP practice.
Frequently asked questions About ADHD GP Referrals
Compare ADHD Providers in Your Area
Once your referral is prepared, you can compare ADHD providers by waiting time, pathway, and availability. Find options that align with your preferences before or after speaking with your GP.
Your privacy matters.
We do not store your health responses entered into this toolkit. Your answers stay on your device and are not saved to our servers.
If you choose to provide your email address, we store your email only for communication and updates. Your health responses are not linked to your email.
This tool is provided for informational purposes and does not replace medical advice.