At a glance: private ADHD assessment in 2026
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If you've decided you don't want to wait years for an ADHD assessment, a private assessment can get you seen in weeks. But the assessment fee is only part of the picture. Medication, titration and whether your GP will take over prescribing can make a bigger difference to what you pay than the assessment itself.
This guide explains how private ADHD assessments work, what they really cost, and what to check before you book - so you can choose a provider with your eyes open.
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Why more people are going private in 2026
For many adults in England, the NHS routes to an ADHD assessment have narrowed this year.
- Local NHS waits remain very long. More than 560,000 people had an open ADHD referral in England at the end of 2025, and over 60% had been waiting more than a year.
- Right to Choose is capped or paused in some areas. Many local NHS areas have set limits on how many Right to Choose ADHD assessments they will fund in 2026/27, and several Right to Choose providers have paused new assessments for patients in certain regions.
- Being referred doesn't always mean being seen quickly. Even where Right to Choose is open, waits with some providers have grown to a year or more.
If you live in Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, Right to Choose doesn't apply, so private assessment is often the main alternative to a long local wait.
How a private ADHD assessment works
Most private providers don't need a GP referral - you can usually book directly. Many will ask for your GP's details, and some will ask for a summary of your medical records before the assessment.
- Choose a provider and bookOnline assessments are now common and are often the quickest and cheapest option.
- Pre-assessment questionnairesYou'll usually complete screening questionnaires, and some providers ask someone who knew you as a child (often a parent) to fill one in too.
- The assessmentA clinical interview with a specialist, usually lasting 60-120 minutes, covering your current difficulties and your childhood history.
- Diagnosis and reportIf ADHD is diagnosed, you should receive a written report. This matters - it's what your GP and any future provider will rely on.
- Titration (if medication is recommended)Your dose is adjusted over several weeks or months with regular check-ins until it's right for you.
- Ongoing careOnce your dose is stable, either your GP takes over prescribing under a shared care agreement, or you continue with the private provider.
Under NICE guidelines, ADHD should be diagnosed by a specialist psychiatrist, paediatrician or another appropriately qualified healthcare professional with training and expertise in ADHD. A good private provider will tell you clearly who will carry out your assessment.
What it really costs
Private adult ADHD assessments now range from under £300 to over £2,000. Online assessments tend to sit at the lower end. But if you're prescribed medication, titration and ongoing prescriptions often cost more than the assessment itself.
| Stage | Typical cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Assessment | £275-£2,100+ | Online usually cheaper; check whether the report is included |
| Titration | £500-£900 as a package, or £80-£200+ per month | Usually lasts 2-6 months; medication may be extra |
| Ongoing private prescriptions | £50-£200+ per month | Only if your GP doesn't take over prescribing |
| Annual medication review | £100-£300 | Usually needed whichever route you're on |
Figures are indicative ranges based on published UK provider prices in 2025-2026. Prices change often, so always confirm the full cost with your chosen provider.
Two scenarios that make the biggest difference
- Your GP agrees to shared care. After titration, your medication is prescribed on the NHS and you pay the standard NHS prescription charge in England (or nothing if you're exempt), and prescriptions are free in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Your total cost is mostly the assessment and titration.
- Your GP declines shared care. You keep paying privately for prescriptions and reviews. Over a year, this can add £1,000 or more to your costs.
Paying in instalments
Many private providers now offer "buy now, pay later" options such as Klarna or Clearpay at checkout. These can spread the cost, but they are still credit - check the repayment terms and make sure you can keep up with payments before you sign up.
Waiting times
Speed is the main reason people go private. Most private adult assessments can be booked within one to eight weeks, and some online providers can see you within days.
| Pathway | Typical wait for an assessment |
|---|---|
| Private (online) | 0-4 weeks |
| Private (in person) | 2-8 weeks |
| Local NHS service | 2-10+ years in some areas |
Waits for titration can be separate from the assessment wait, so ask how soon titration would start if medication is recommended.
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Luxe Psychology
Private psychology practice offering adult ADHD assessments online and in person, in a calm, confidential setting.
Medication, titration and shared care
Not everyone diagnosed with ADHD chooses or needs medication. If it is recommended, your specialist will start you on a low dose and adjust it during titration, with regular check-ins on how it's working and any side effects.
Many ADHD medicines are controlled drugs, so prescriptions are usually issued for up to 30 days at a time. That means ongoing prescriptions and regular reviews, wherever you're treated.
What is shared care?
A shared care agreement means your GP takes over prescribing your medication on the NHS, while your private specialist continues to oversee your treatment. It's the main way private patients reduce long-term costs.
Important
GPs don't have to accept shared care, and many now decline. Check your GP practice's policy before you book.
If your GP declines shared care
You still have options:
- Continue with your private provider. Some providers will keep prescribing and reviewing your medication if your GP declines. Ask about this before you book, and ask what it costs.
- Ask your GP to explain their decision. Sometimes a practice will reconsider once titration is complete and your dose is stable.
- Ask about an NHS referral. Your GP may be able to refer you to an NHS service for ongoing care, though waits can be long.
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How to choose a private ADHD provider
The cheapest assessment isn't always the cheapest option overall. Before you book, check these eight things:
| Check | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Is the provider registered with the CQC? | In England, providers of regulated healthcare must be registered with the Care Quality Commission. You can search the CQC website. |
| Who carries out the assessment? | Look for a psychiatrist or another clinician with specialist ADHD training, in line with NICE guidance. |
| Is the full report included in the price? | Your GP and any future provider will need a detailed written report. |
| Is titration included, and when does it start? | Some low assessment prices don't include titration, which can cost more than the assessment. |
| What's the total cost for the first year? | Ask for assessment, titration, medication and review costs together. |
| What happens if my GP declines shared care? | Ask whether the provider will keep prescribing, and at what monthly cost. |
| Is it online or in person? | Online is often faster and cheaper; in person may suit you better if you prefer face-to-face. |
| What's the cancellation and refund policy? | Useful if your circumstances or your local Right to Choose situation change. |
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Private ADHD assessments for children
Private assessments for children and young people usually cost more than adult assessments, and are often carried out by a child psychiatrist or paediatrician. Most providers will ask for information from your child's school as well as from you.
Shared care works the same way for children as for adults, so check your GP practice's policy first. For NHS and Right to Choose routes for children, read our guide: Getting your child an ADHD assessment: a guide for parents.