Right to Choose allows patients registered with a GP in England to select an alternative qualified provider for their first outpatient appointment, including ADHD and mental health assessments.
This guide explains how Right to Choose works, who is eligible, and how to request a referral from your GP.
Looking specifically for ADHD Right to Choose? Read our dedicated ADHD Right to Choose guide.
What is NHS Right to Choose?
Right to Choose allows patients registered with a GP in England to select an alternative qualified provider for their first outpatient appointment.
This is commonly used for ADHD and mental health assessments, but the right applies more broadly across many NHS specialties — including orthopaedics, ENT (ear, nose and throat), dermatology, cardiology, and other consultant-led services.
Instead of being referred only to your local NHS service, you may choose a provider anywhere in England, provided they hold a qualifying NHS contract for the service you need.
Right to Choose exists under the NHS Constitution and is a legal patient right.
Who is eligible?
You may be eligible if:
- You are registered with a GP in England
- You are being referred for your first outpatient appointment
- The provider you choose holds a qualifying NHS contract for the service you need
Right to Choose does not typically apply to:
- Emergency care
- Services already under active treatment
- Some highly specialised commissioned services
Eligibility can vary depending on local commissioning arrangements.
How does Right to Choose reduce waiting times?
Local NHS waiting lists can be lengthy in many areas — particularly for services like ADHD and autism assessments, but also for orthopaedic, ENT, and other specialist appointments.
Under Right to Choose, you may select a provider outside your local area that offers shorter waiting times.
The provider delivers your assessment or appointment under NHS funding, meaning:
- You do not pay privately
- The service remains within the NHS framework
- Your GP initiates the referral
This can significantly reduce the time to assessment or first appointment.
Step-by-step: How to request Right to Choose
Identify an eligible provider
Confirm they accept NHS Right to Choose referrals.
Speak to your GP
Request a referral under NHS Right to Choose for ADHD or the relevant mental health service.
Provide provider details
Some GPs may ask for provider contact information or referral forms.
Follow referral confirmation
The chosen provider will confirm acceptance and outline next steps.
If your GP is unfamiliar with Right to Choose, you can reference the NHS Constitution and patient choice guidance.
Before your appointment
To make the most of your GP appointment:
- Note how ADHD symptoms affect your daily life — work, study, relationships, organisation, and focus.
- Bring any relevant school reports or previous assessments if you have them.
- Be clear that you are requesting a referral under Right to Choose.
- Research the provider you would like to be referred to in advance, if possible.
What to say
When you speak to your GP, you might say something like:
"I'd like to request a referral for an ADHD assessment under NHS Right to Choose. I understand that as a patient registered with a GP in England, I can choose my provider for a first outpatient appointment. I've been experiencing symptoms that are affecting my daily life, and I would appreciate being referred for a formal assessment."
If your GP asks for more detail
You may be asked to explain how ADHD symptoms affect you. Be specific and give examples from work, education, or daily responsibilities. Concrete examples help your GP understand the impact and support your referral.
It can help to prepare a few notes beforehand. Think about situations where you struggle with focus, organisation, time management, or emotional regulation — and how these affect your ability to manage day-to-day tasks.
If your GP is unsure about Right to Choose
Some GPs may not be familiar with Right to Choose. You can calmly explain:
"I understand that Right to Choose applies to first outpatient appointments in England. I would appreciate it if we could explore whether this referral can be made under that pathway."
If your GP is still unsure, you can ask them to check the NHS Choice Framework guidance, or suggest they speak with their practice manager. You have the right to make this request.
What if your GP refuses?
If your GP declines to refer under Right to Choose:
- Ask for clarification on the reason
- Request written confirmation if necessary
- Consider discussing with the practice manager
- Review NHS England guidance on patient choice
In most cases, if eligibility criteria are met, patients have the right to choose.
You can also escalate through a formal practice complaint, contact your local Integrated Care Board (ICB), or seek support from the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS).
Need help navigating Right to Choose?
A care navigator can talk through your eligibility, shortlist providers, and send you a written plan within 48 hours.
20-minute call · Written plan within 48 hours · Independent guidance
Confirming provider availability
Before requesting a Right to Choose referral, it is worth confirming that your chosen provider is currently accepting NHS Right to Choose referrals for the service you need.
Some providers have historically stopped accepting new referrals or paused their NHS contracts at short notice. If this happens during your referral pathway, stay in contact with your GP so they can help redirect your referral to another provider if needed.
Does Right to Choose apply outside England?
Right to Choose applies in England.
Healthcare systems in Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland operate under different commissioning structures.
Eligibility is based on where you are registered with a GP.
Frequently asked questions
Want to use Right to Choose but unsure how?
A care navigator can talk through your eligibility, shortlist providers that fit your needs, and send a written plan within 48 hours.
20-minute call · Written plan within 48 hours · Independent guidance
Download this guide
Get a structured PDF version of this NHS Right to Choose guide, including eligibility criteria and step-by-step referral instructions.
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Seeking therapy support instead? See our guide to NHS self-referral.
Check your eligibility
Not sure if you qualify under NHS Right to Choose? Use our ADHD Right to Choose eligibility checker to get clarity in under 60 seconds.
Start eligibility checkRelated guides
The Complete Guide to ADHD Right to Choose
The ADHD-specific guide to Right to Choose — eligibility, provider lists, and how to request a referral.
Right to Choose ADHD Providers in England
Compare Right to Choose providers and understand typical waiting times for ADHD assessments.
ADHD Diagnosis in the UK: The Complete Guide
How ADHD diagnosis works in the UK, including NHS referral pathways, waiting times, Right to Choose options, and private assessment routes.
How to Ask Your GP for an ADHD Referral
A practical step-by-step guide to preparing for your GP appointment and requesting an ADHD assessment.