ADHD Assessments – Your Right to Choose

Did You Know?

If you or your child needs an ADHD assessment, you do not always have to accept the first option offered. In England, adults have the legal Right to Choose their provider for NHS-funded ADHD assessments.

The Right to Choose in mental health was introduced in 2018. Because it is relatively new, not all patients, GPs or other clinicians are fully aware of how it works.

It is important to note that:

• Patients cannot be referred to just any provider. The provider must have a commissioning contract with an NHS Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) or with NHS England for the required service.
• If your GP refers you under the Right to Choose scheme, your assessment and any agreed treatment (including medication, if appropriate) will be funded by the NHS.
• Some private or independent clinics offer ADHD or autism assessments but may not provide ongoing medication management. In these cases, you could still need a local NHS referral for prescriptions or adjustments.

Before making a referral, check that your GP is willing to accept full care or a Shared Care Agreement with the provider. This ensures you can continue treatment after the assessment. It is best to confirm this before being referred, to avoid gaps in follow-up care.

When approaching your GP, it can be helpful to provide a letter and a completed screening questionnaire (see links below).

Adult Referral Pathway

1. See your GP and ask for an ADHD assessment.
2. Tell your GP: “I would like to use my Right to Choose provider for ADHD assessment.”
3. Your GP must offer NHS-approved providers.
4. The GP will send a referral to your chosen provider. You should receive confirmation by letter, email or through a patient portal.
5. Assessment – carried out online or in person, depending on the provider.
6. Ongoing care – if diagnosed, you will discuss treatment options such as:

– Medication
– Therapy
– Lifestyle or wellbeing support

Child Referral Pathway

Children and young people do not make referrals themselves, but their views matter. They may share symptoms and experiences directly with the GP or complete self-report forms.

1. Talk to your GP or school – parents/guardians can request an ADHD assessment. Schools may also support referrals.
2. Eligibility – Right to Choose does not always apply to children, but parents can still ask about provider options.
3. Assessment – carried out by CAMHS, a paediatrician or another local ADHD service.
4. Support plan – if diagnosed, this may include medication, therapies or adjustments. Parents can request reviews if treatment is not effective.

Helpful Links

Right to Choose ADHD & Autism Assessments – Clinical Partners: https://www.clinical-partners.co.uk/for-adults/adhd/adhd-assessment/right-to-choose

Adult ADHD Self Screening Tool – ADHD UK: https://www.adhduk.co.uk/adult-adhd-self-screen/

ADHD Test Online – Clinical Partners: https://www.clinical-partners.co.uk/for-adults/adhd/adhd-test-online

Your Choices in the NHS – NHS: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/hospitals/nhs-choices/

ADHD UK: Letter to GPs on Right to Choose (PDF): https://adhduk.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/ADHD-UK-Letter-to-GPs-on-Right-to-Choose-v2.pdf

GP Right to Choose Referral Form – ADHD UK: https://adhduk.co.uk/right-to-choose/gp-referral-form/