Right to Choose ADHD Providers in England (2026 Waiting Time Guide)

NHS waiting times for adult ADHD assessments can exceed two years in many areas of England. For patients facing these delays, NHS Right to Choose offers a legal pathway to access alternative providers — sometimes with shorter waiting times, depending on the provider — funded by the NHS.

This guide compares common Right to Choose ADHD providers operating in England and outlines their typical assessment waiting times, so patients can make more informed decisions when requesting a referral from their GP.

Right to Choose is a legal right in England that allows patients to select their provider for a first outpatient appointment when referred by a GP. This means that rather than being placed on a local NHS ADHD waiting list, patients can choose to be referred to an alternative provider — sometimes with shorter waiting times, depending on the provider.

ADHD assessments can therefore be accessed through specialist providers outside the patient's local NHS mental health trust, provided the chosen provider holds an NHS contract or is an approved provider for that service. Not every private ADHD clinic qualifies under Right to Choose.

Right to Choose assessments are NHS-funded and free to the patient. Although some Right to Choose providers may appear to be private clinics, when accessed through Right to Choose, the assessment is paid for by the NHS. Patients should not be asked to pay for their assessment.

For a detailed explanation of how the process works, eligibility criteria, and step-by-step guidance, read our Complete Guide to NHS Right to Choose.

The table below lists Right to Choose ADHD providers currently operating in England, alongside their typical adult ADHD assessment waiting times. Waiting times are approximate and based on the most recent available information at the time of writing.

Medication titration is the process of gradually adjusting ADHD medication to find the right type and dose for an individual patient. This typically takes place after a diagnosis has been confirmed.

Titration timelines vary significantly between providers:

When choosing a provider, patients should consider both the assessment waiting time and the likely titration waiting time. A provider with a short assessment wait but a long titration queue may not offer a faster overall pathway to treatment.

Once a patient's medication has been stabilised, the Right to Choose provider will typically look to discharge the patient back to their GP or local NHS services for ongoing prescribing and monitoring under a shared care arrangement. Some providers may continue to manage prescribing directly, but this varies. Patients should ask their provider about the long-term care pathway at the point of referral or diagnosis.

For more detail on titration delays and the broader ADHD pathway, see our guide on NHS ADHD Waiting Times in 2026.

Once medication has been stabilised through titration, many Right to Choose providers request a shared care agreement with the patient's GP. Under a shared care arrangement:

Some GPs decline shared care agreements, which can create difficulties for patients who need ongoing medication. However, NHS England guidance strongly encourages GPs to enter into shared care arrangements when requested by a specialist, and patients can reference this if their GP is reluctant. Some providers continue prescribing directly even if shared care is not agreed, though this may involve additional costs.

For a full explanation of shared care agreements, why GPs may decline, and what options are available, read our guide on Shared Care Agreements for ADHD.

A GP referral is usually required to access a Right to Choose ADHD assessment. Your GP does not need to be an ADHD specialist — they simply need to agree that a referral for assessment is appropriate and process the referral to your chosen provider.

For step-by-step guidance on preparing for your GP appointment, including what to say and how to handle common challenges, read our guide: How to Ask Your GP for an ADHD Referral (Step-by-Step).