🇬🇧 ADHD Diagnosis in the United Kingdom
The UK presents unique challenges for ADHD diagnosis. Understanding the "Shared Care" route and your "Right to Choose" can help you navigate the system effectively.
Quick Summary
- Best Pathway: Psychiatry-UK or ADHD 360
- Cost: Free (via Right to Choose) or ~£950+ (Private)
- Wait Time: Weeks (Private) vs. Months (Right to Choose)
- Key Point: Use NHS-contracted providers to ensure Shared Care agreements
The "Shared Care" Route
The UK healthcare system operates on a "Shared Care" model for ADHD treatment. This means:
⚠️ Important Warning
If you pay for a private diagnosis from a random clinic, your NHS GP might refuse to take over your care (Shared Care Agreement), forcing you to pay for expensive private medication forever.
A Shared Care Agreement allows your NHS GP to prescribe medication based on a specialist's diagnosis and treatment plan. This is crucial because:
- • Private medication costs can be £100-£300+ per month
- • NHS prescriptions are significantly cheaper (or free in some areas)
- • Your GP needs to trust the diagnosis and provider
Understanding Right to Choose
What is Right to Choose?
In England, patients have a legal right to choose their mental healthcare provider for ADHD assessments under the NHS. This means you can select a provider like Psychiatry-UK or ADHD 360 for your assessment, potentially reducing waiting times significantly.
Right to Choose applies to England only. Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have different systems, though some providers may still accept referrals from these regions.
How Right to Choose Works
Step 1: Speak to Your GP
Discuss your ADHD concerns with your GP and mention that you'd like to use your Right to Choose to be referred to a specific provider (e.g., Psychiatry-UK or ADHD 360).
Step 2: GP Makes the Referral
Your GP can make the referral to your chosen provider. They should not refuse this request, as it's your legal right. If your GP is unfamiliar with the process, you can provide them with information from the provider's website.
Step 3: Assessment with Provider
Once referred, you'll be assessed by the NHS-contracted provider. This is typically done via video call and is fully funded by the NHS.
Step 4: Shared Care Agreement
After diagnosis and initial medication titration, the provider will work with your GP to establish a Shared Care Agreement. This allows your GP to continue prescribing your medication on the NHS.
Key Benefits of Right to Choose
- ✅ Free assessment (NHS-funded)
- ✅ Faster than standard NHS waiting lists
- ✅ Access to NHS-contracted providers
- ✅ Smooth transition to Shared Care
- ✅ No need to pay for private medication long-term
Recommended Providers
Psychiatry-UK
One of the most popular Right to Choose providers. They have NHS contracts and are well-trusted by GPs for Shared Care agreements.
- • NHS-contracted provider
- • CQC registered
- • Accepts Right to Choose referrals
- • Video-based assessments
ADHD 360
Another NHS-contracted provider that accepts Right to Choose referrals. They offer comprehensive ADHD assessment and treatment services.
- • NHS-contracted provider
- • CQC registered
- • Accepts Right to Choose referrals
- • Full assessment and treatment pathway
⚠️ The "Gotcha"
Do not just Google "fast ADHD diagnosis London." If the clinic isn't:
- • CQC registered (Care Quality Commission)
- • NHS-aligned or contracted
- • Recognized by your GP practice
...then your diagnosis is legally valid but practically useless for getting NHS medications. You'll be stuck paying for private prescriptions indefinitely.
Cost & Wait Times
Via Right to Choose
- Cost: Free (NHS-funded)
- Wait Time: Months (but faster than standard NHS list)
- Medication: NHS prescription charges apply
- Best for: Patients who can wait and want NHS care
Private Assessment
- Cost: ~£950+ for assessment
- Wait Time: Weeks
- Medication: Private prescriptions (£100-£300+/month)
- Best for: Patients who need faster access and can afford private care
Important Note
Even if you pay privately, choosing an NHS-contracted provider (like Psychiatry-UK or ADHD 360) increases the likelihood that your GP will accept a Shared Care Agreement later, potentially saving you thousands of pounds in medication costs.
What to Do Next
If You're in England
Ask your GP for a "Right to Choose" referral to Psychiatry-UK or ADHD 360. This is your legal right and should be free.
If your GP is unfamiliar with Right to Choose, you can provide them with information from the provider's website or contact the provider directly for guidance.
If You Need Faster Access
Consider paying privately with Psychiatry-UK or ADHD 360. While it costs more upfront, their NHS contracts mean your GP is more likely to accept Shared Care later.
Avoid random private clinics that aren't NHS-contracted, as this can lead to expensive private medication costs long-term.
Related Resources
Important Reminder
This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals for diagnosis and treatment decisions. Healthcare systems and provider availability may change over time.