ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
Understand ADHD diagnosis pathways in England, including NHS waiting times, GP referrals, Right to Choose options, and private assessment alternatives.
Getting an ADHD assessment in England
Three routes, one decision — here's how each pathway works.
The NHS route
For most adults and children in England, the journey starts with a GP appointment. Your GP cannot diagnose ADHD themselves, but they can refer you for a specialist ADHD assessment if they feel it is clinically appropriate. From there, you usually have two main NHS routes: your local NHS ADHD service, or a Right to Choose provider commissioned by the NHS to carry out assessments under the same NHS funding model.
Right to Choose
Right to Choose is a legal right under the Health and Social Care Act and the NHS Constitution. It lets eligible patients in England choose any clinically appropriate provider with an NHS contract for their first outpatient appointment. In practice, that has helped many people access an ADHD assessment in months rather than years. It is not a guaranteed shortcut: your GP still has to agree the referral is clinically appropriate, and the 2026/27 NHS Payment Scheme introduces practical caps on Right to Choose ADHD spend per ICB area (around £100k in many regions).
Private assessment
Private ADHD diagnosis sits alongside both NHS routes. It can be the fastest option, but it comes with cost, and ongoing prescribing through your NHS GP usually depends on a shared care agreement — which GPs are not obliged to accept. The guides below walk through each pathway, what the assessment itself involves, and how shared care, medication and follow-up usually work in real life.
The ADHD diagnosis pathway
A typical journey, from suspected ADHD to ongoing care.
Where are you in your ADHD journey?
Find the right starting point based on your situation.
I think I might have ADHD
Start with our complete guide to ADHD diagnosis in the UK — symptoms, pathways, and how to get assessed.
I'm stuck on an NHS waiting list
Use NHS Right to Choose to access a faster ADHD assessment — eligibility, ICB caps, and what to say to your GP.
I'm considering going private
Compare costs, waiting times, medication access, and shared care implications across NHS and private pathways.
All ADHD guides
Browse our full library by sub-topic.
Diagnosis Pathways
How diagnosis works, NHS and private.
ADHD Diagnosis in the UK: The Complete Guide
A complete guide to ADHD diagnosis in the UK, including NHS referrals, waiting times, and private assessment options.
How to Ask Your GP for an ADHD Referral
Step-by-step guidance on preparing for your GP appointment and requesting an ADHD assessment.
Getting your child an ADHD assessment: a guide for parents
NHS routes, Right to Choose, private costs and how to advocate for your child.
Private vs NHS ADHD Diagnosis
Compare costs, waiting times, medication access, and shared care considerations.
Right to Choose
Use your legal right to a faster assessment.
ADHD Right to Choose Guide
How to use your legal right to access a faster NHS ADHD assessment — eligibility, ICB caps, and what to say to your GP.
Right to Choose ADHD Providers in England
Compare ADHD Right to Choose providers in England and understand typical waiting times.
The Complete Guide to NHS Right to Choose
How to legally choose your NHS provider for ADHD and mental health assessments and reduce waiting times.
My ICB has restricted ADHD assessments - can I go to a neighbouring area instead?
Why an out-of-area provider doesn't get around an ICB funding cap, and what to do instead.
Waiting Times
Current waits and how to navigate delays.
Shared Care & Medication
What to do when your GP declines.
Check your Right to Choose eligibility
Our free eligibility checker helps you understand whether you may be able to use Right to Choose for your ADHD assessment.
Check eligibilityFrequently asked questions
Not sure where to start with ADHD?
Talk to a care navigator
Whether it's NHS, Right to Choose, or private, a care navigator can talk through your options and send a written plan within 48 hours.
20-minute call · Written plan within 48 hours · Independent guidance
What you get
20-minute call
One-to-one with a UK care navigator.
Written plan in 48 hours
Clear next steps, tailored to your situation.
Independent and neutral
No referrals to specific providers - your choice stays yours.
Tailored to your situation
Not a script. A focused conversation about your specific case.