Getting an ADHD diagnosis in the UK means choosing between NHS (free but slow), private (fast but expensive), and Right to Choose - an NHS-funded private pathway that most people haven't heard of. This guide explains all three and exactly how to navigate them.
Getting an ADHD diagnosis in the UK in 2026 means navigating two distinct pathways: the NHS, which is free but often involves waits of 1–5 years in many areas, and private assessment, which is faster (typically 2–8 weeks) but costs £700–£1,500. There's also a third route — Right to Choose - that many people don't know about, which can get you an NHS-funded assessment via a private provider in significantly less time.
Before your GP appointment, take the WHO-validated ASRS-v1.1 screener. NICE guidelines recommend the ASRS as a first-line screening tool for adult ADHD - your GP will recognise it. A positive Part A result (4 or more questions at threshold) is clinically significant.
Write down 3–5 specific, recent examples of how symptoms affect your work, relationships, and daily functioning. Concrete examples carry far more weight than general descriptions. Old school reports with teacher comments are valuable if you have them.
Based on the WHO-validated ASRS-v1.1. Takes 2 minutes. The same tool used by doctors and psychiatrists as a first step.
Book a longer appointment (20–30 minutes if your practice allows) and be clear that you're seeking a referral for an ADHD assessment. Your GP cannot diagnose ADHD - that requires a specialist - but they can refer you to one.
Say: 'I believe I may have ADHD and I'd like a referral for a specialist assessment.' Bring your ASRS screener results and your specific examples. GPs have varying levels of ADHD awareness — be prepared to advocate.
Right to Choose (also called Patient Choice or the 2012 NHS Regulations pathway) may allow you to choose an NHS-approved private provider for your assessment at NHS cost, bypassing some of the local waiting list. Not every GP knows about this - ask specifically.
You can request a second opinion from another GP at the same practice, or register with a different GP. You can also self-refer to a private assessment provider without a GP referral, though NHS shared care (getting your NHS GP to manage ongoing prescribing) may require GP involvement.
Under the NHS Constitution, patients in England have the right to choose their provider for certain mental health services. For ADHD, this means you may be able to request assessment through providers like Psychiatry UK, ADHD 360, or Healios at NHS cost. Your GP submits the referral, but you specify the provider. Wait times via Right to Choose are typically 3–6 months rather than years. This pathway is not available in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland.
An NHS referral goes to your local Community Mental Health Team (CMHT) or specialist ADHD service. Assessment involves a full clinical interview, standardised rating scales, and often collateral information from a family member or partner. The assessment is free.
The primary barrier is time. NHS ADHD waiting lists vary dramatically by region - some areas have waits of 6–12 months, others 3–5 years. You can ask your GP how long the local wait is at the point of referral.
Private ADHD assessments in the UK typically take 2–8 weeks from enquiry to diagnosis. The assessment is conducted by a consultant psychiatrist and usually involves 1–2 appointments lasting 1–2 hours total.
| Provider type | Typical cost | Wait time |
|---|---|---|
| Private consultant psychiatrist | £700–£1,500 | 2–8 weeks |
| Online psychiatry platforms (e.g. Psychiatry UK) | £600–£900 | 4–12 weeks |
| NHS via Right to Choose | Free | 3–9 months |
| NHS standard referral | Free | 1–5 years (area dependent) |
After a private diagnosis, you can ask your NHS GP to take over prescribing under a 'shared care agreement'. Not all GPs accept this — some require you to use the private provider's prescribing service, which adds ongoing cost. Ask about this before committing to a private provider.
ADHD medication in the UK requires a prescription from a specialist initially, and is then typically managed by your GP under shared care. Medications including methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, Equasym) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse/Elvanse) are licensed for adult ADHD and available on NHS prescription once diagnosed. Atomoxetine (Strattera) is a non-stimulant alternative.
NICE-recommended for adult ADHD screening. Takes 2 minutes — bring your results to your GP appointment.
Take the free ADHD screener →