🧠 Getting an ADHD Assessment: What are your options?
So, you think you might have ADHD—or maybe someone’s suggested it, or you've just spent one too many nights down the TikTok rabbit hole thinking “wait… this is me.” First off, you're not alone. More and more adults are seeking answers about their brains, and getting assessed for ADHD can be a huge step toward understanding yourself better.
But here’s the thing: figuring out how to actually get assessed is not always straightforward. So let's break down your options, what to expect, and what to look out for.
🚶♂️ The NHS Route (aka “the classic”)
This is the standard way most people go about it:
Book an appointment with your GP.
Tell them why you think you might have ADHD. (It helps to bring notes, examples, or even self-assessment checklists.)
If they agree, they’ll refer you to a specialist NHS clinic.
👍 Pros:
It’s free.
You’ll get access to NHS care, including follow-up treatment if diagnosed.
👎 Cons:
The waiting lists are long—we’re talking years depending on where you live.
Some GPs aren’t very informed about adult ADHD and might dismiss your concerns (frustrating, we know).
💰 The Private Route
Some people go private to speed things up. You can find a private psychiatrist/psychologist or other professional who specialises in ADHD and book directly, no GP needed.
👍 Pros:
Fast. You could get an assessment in a matter of weeks.
You choose your provider.
👎 Cons:
It’s expensive—anywhere from £500 to £1,200+ for the assessment alone.
Ongoing medication and support may also cost extra.
Some NHS GPs won’t accept a private diagnosis for prescribing meds (known as a “shared care agreement”), so you might have to pay privately for those too.
Important: If you’re considering this route, always check if the provider is a registered professional and follows NICE guidelines (these are the gold standard for ADHD diagnosis and treatment in the UK).
✅ The “Right to Choose” Route (Game-changer Alert 🚨)
This is where things get interesting. If your GP is in England and agrees to refer you for an ADHD assessment, you have the legal right to choose where you go for that referral—including certain private clinics that partner with the NHS.
What this means:
You can ask your GP to refer you to an approved provider like through the NHS, for free—but with much shorter waiting times than your local NHS service.
How to do it:
Ask your GP for a referral under the NHS Right to Choose scheme.
Choose a provider that accepts RTC referrals.
Your GP sends the referral, and the clinic contacts you directly.
👍 Pros:
Free
Faster than standard NHS waiting lists
Fully recognised by the NHS (so shared care is usually easier)
👎 Cons:
Not all GPs know about Right to Choose—you might need to inform them.
You have to be registered with a GP in England.
Some providers now have long waitlists too because of high demand (but still usually better than standard NHS).
🧾 Tips Before You Choose a Path
Document your symptoms. Keep a journal, list examples, or use an ADHD checklist.
Know your rights. If your GP says you can’t use Right to Choose, they might just not be familiar—show them this NHS info page.
Ask questions. Whether NHS, private, or RTC, always ask what the process involves: how long it takes, what kind of assessments they do, and what happens after diagnosis.