ADHD Assessment Referrals
If you are asking for an ADHD assessment, please read this carefully so you understand your options.
Ways to be referred
1 Local NHS Service
A. Currently have long waiting times (years).
B. Works closely with GPs.
C. Medication prescribing is usually straightforward.
2. Right to Choose (RTC)
A. Lets you choose any NHS-contracted provider in England.
B. Often shorter waiting times.
C. Some services may be limited (e.g. tests not available locally, may need travel).
D. Medication may not be available from your GP unless the provider meets local shared care rules.
E. You must check this before choosing — we provide a flowchart and letter to help.
3. Private Referral
A. Usually faster but you pay for assessment and prescriptions.
B. We cannot prescribe ADHD medication from private providers.
C. If you later switch back to NHS care, you will join the waiting list again and your private diagnosis may not be accepted.
Shared Care Agreements
- ADHD medicines need a formal agreement between you, your GP, and a specialist.
- We only enter these with providers who meet the same standards as our local NHS service.
- We never do shared care with private providers.
Your responsibility
- If you choose a Right to Choose provider, you must check they meet the criteria.
- We cannot do this for you and cannot guarantee medication access.
- If a provider does not meet standards, you may not be able to get prescriptions.
What to do next
- If you have read and understood this, you can request an ADHD assessment online.
- If you still have questions, please submit a e-Consult.
(Please follow the link by clicking on Right to Choose to be redirected to the correct page.)