Right to Choose ADHD: A UK Adult’s Guide for Quicker Assessment

Getting diagnosed and treated for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a life-changing decision, and if you’re seeking help, you’re not alone. Many adults in the UK are recognising how ADHD has affected their lives and taking positive steps toward treatment.

If you’re worried about long waiting times, there’s good news.^[1]

If you’re pursuing an ADHD assessment, it’s important to know that you have the right to choose your preferred provider through the NHS. This falls under Right to Choose, and this scheme could help speed up the process.^[1]

Before using Right to Choose, you’ll need to check if you’re eligible. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to access your chosen provider for an ADHD assessment.

What Is the NHS Right to Choose?

The National Health Service (NHS) Right to Choose empowers people living in England to choose which mental health provider they want for their first outpatient appointment.^[2]

If you’re concerned you might have adult ADHD, you can first visit your GP, who will review your symptoms and determine if you need an assessment.

If so, you will have the legal right to request a referral for a provider anywhere in the country, as long as that clinic works with the NHS.^[2]

Eligibility Criteria

Not everyone is eligible for Right to Choose NHS services.

To qualify for Right to Choose for ADHD, you must meet the following conditions:^[3]

• Your GP agrees that a referral for ADHD assessment is appropriate and necessary
• You are not currently getting ADHD care from another NHS mental health service

If you meet these conditions, you will be eligible for the Right to Choose scheme for ADHD.

Which Providers Qualify?

It’s important to note that not all clinics are eligible under Right to Choose.

The provider must have a contract with the NHS or any Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) for the relevant service. 

Some examples of clinics and providers that currently offer the Right to Choose scheme for ADHD assessment include:

• Psychiatry UK
• ADHD 360
• CARE ADHD
• RTN Mental Health Solutions
• Harrow Health
• ADHDNET

If you’re unsure whether your preferred provider is eligible, you can check their website or ask your GP. You should then be able to confirm whether the provider holds a contract with the NHS or a Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and is available for referral under the Right to Choose scheme.

Please note that some clinics may temporarily pause referrals due to high demand. Therefore, it’s advisable to check with your GP about your current options.

Why Use Right to Choose for ADHD?

Undiagnosed ADHD can affect your work, relationships, and studies. Getting assessed by a professional and starting treatment as soon as possible can significantly improve your quality of life.

This is where Right to Choose can help. It gives you more control over your referral and access to the assessment and diagnosis you need, often with shorter wait times.

Avoiding Long Delays

In some areas, the ADHD waiting list UK residents face can stretch for months or even years.

Using Right to Choose can help reduce the wait for your first ADHD assessment. Some providers have much shorter waiting lists and may be able to see you sooner.

Many of these clinics share regular updates on their websites about estimated waiting times. You can check online or ask your GP for recommendations to help you find a provider with a shorter wait.

Choosing the Best Fit Provider

Right to Choose doesn’t just give you faster access but also lets you select the provider that best suits your needs.

You can choose a service that aligns with your preferences, such as remote assessments or providers with specific experience in adult ADHD. 

How to Initiate a Right to Choose Referral

Using ADHD Right to Choose providers in the UK involves a few key steps. Here’s how to get started:

Speak to Your GP First

You don’t need any additional approval from an Individual Funding Request or Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG). As long as your GP thinks your condition is clinically appropriate for ADHD assessment, they can refer you directly to a provider of your choice. Your GP will then send the referral to this provider.

Complete an Assessment Form & Cover Letter

Many providers offer self-assessment forms that you will need to complete. This is typically a brief questionnaire that helps you evaluate your ADHD symptoms and can make the assessment process easier when you attend your first appointment. 

You’ll often need to submit it along with the cover letter addressed to your GP. 

Confirm Shared Care and GP Acceptance

Before your assessment, check whether your GP is open to a shared care agreement. 

Shared care is a service where your chosen provider or specialist begins your medication or treatment plan. Once your plan is stabilised, a shared care proposal will be sent to your GP. 

If accepted, your GP can continue prescribing the medication. Your chosen provider can also offer annual reviews to ensure ongoing support and guidance.

This can be especially helpful if your GP is more accessible. However, if distance isn’t an issue, many ADHD clinics under Right to Choose can continue prescribing your medication directly, even if your GP declines to participate in shared care.

Choosing Your ADHD Provider

Selecting the right provider goes beyond availability.

Here are some key considerations to keep in mind when selecting a provider under Right to Choose. 

Compare Wait Times & Accessibility

Wait times can vary significantly between providers and may change over time. 

For instance, some clinics like ADHD 360 have previously reported waits of several months, while others, such as CARE ADHD have offered appointments in as little as 2 to 6 weeks during certain periods. However, high demand can lead to delays, so it’s important to check each provider’s website or contact them directly for the most current estimates.

Remember, while the standard ADHD waiting list in the UK can be years long, Right to Choose providers often see patients much faster.

It’s a good idea to check the provider’s website or call directly to get the most up-to-date information on their timelines and referral process.

Ensure NHS Contract Status

To be eligible under Right to Choose, the provider must hold an active NHS contract. To avoid delays, you can verify this information on the clinic’s website or contact them directly to confirm.

Apart from the clinic’s NHS contract status, you may also want to research or inquire about their experience with adult ADHD and whether they can deliver care online or in person, based on your preferences.

Limits & Common Pitfalls

Right to Choose is a powerful tool, but it has limitations and isn’t suitable for everyone.

Geographic Constraints

While the Right to Choose scheme allows you to select any provider with a valid NHS contract, some Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) have begun placing restrictions on referrals, especially for adult ADHD assessments.

For example, as of 21 May 2025, Coventry and Warwickshire ICB has paused all new ADHD referrals under Right to Choose for individuals aged 25 and older. This means that even if a provider like Psychiatry UK is eligible in most parts of England, patients in certain regions may be blocked due to local NHS policy.

These ICB-level decisions can override national access rights, so it’s essential to check with your GP or consult your local ICB to confirm whether restrictions apply in your area.

Who Is Not Eligible

Right to Choose does not apply to everyone. You are not eligible if you fall under any of the following categories:^[3]

• You are currently under urgent or emergency (crisis) care
• You are currently getting mental health services through your GP surgery
• You are detained under the Mental Health Act 1983 or in a secure setting
• You are currently serving as a member of the armed forces

Other Routes: Private Assessments & IFRs

While Right to Choose is a helpful option for many, it’s not the only route to getting assessed for ADHD. 

Some individuals may consider private assessments or, in rare cases, an Individual Funding Request (IFR) through the NHS.

Private vs NHS Comparison

Private ADHD assessments can offer much quicker access, sometimes within just a few weeks. You can also self-refer, meaning you won’t need a GP referral to see a specialist or mental health professional of your choice. However, this usually comes at a much higher cost.

Due to the long NHS wait times, some people opt for private care to begin treatment sooner. However, if you’re willing to wait and you meet the criteria for Right to Choose, this scheme offers a much more affordable alternative to private healthcare. 

When to Use IFR (Individual Funding Request)

An IFR is a formal request made by your GP to fund treatment from a provider not routinely available in your local area. This route is usually considered when no NHS ADHD assessment service is available under Right to Choose or locally.

You cannot apply for an IFR simply because local providers have long waiting times. The service must be genuinely unavailable in your area for an IFR to be considered.

The IFR can be a lengthy process, and approval isn’t guaranteed. It’s typically viewed as a last resort.

Staying Informed: Policy Changes & Campaigns

If you plan to use Right to Choose, it’s essential to stay up to date. There have been discussions around changing or limiting access to certain ADHD Right to Choose providers in the UK. These proposed changes might impact wait times and availability in the future.

To stay informed, you can keep an eye on updates from your provider’s website and any official NHS announcements. Policy changes can happen quickly, so being proactive ensures you don’t miss out on your right to access timely care.

Getting a Prompt ADHD Assessment with Right to Choose

Getting assessed for ADHD is worth the wait, but you shouldn’t have to wait longer than necessary. It’s the first step toward accessing the treatment and support that can help you manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Right to Choose NHS services can make the process faster while giving you control. You choose a provider you trust, and you often get seen much sooner than through standard routes.

If you’re interested in learning more about your management options for ADHD, check out ADDA+. You’ll get access to expert-led resources, practical tools, and step-by-step courses that help you better understand your brain and manage symptoms with personalised strategies.

References

[1] NHS. (2025). ADHD in adults. NHS.UK. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/adhd-adults/

[2] NHS. (2023). Your choices in the NHS.UK. https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/about-the-nhs/your-choices-in-the-nhs/

[3] Right to Choose ASD & ADHD Pathways – Eastwick Park Medical Practice. (2018). Eastwick Park Medical Practice. https://www.eastwickpark.nhs.uk/about-us/news/1642/