NHS Waiting Lists
The ADHD waiting list in the UK is years long. Here are your options.
Over 491,000 people in England are currently waiting for an ADHD assessment. In most areas, the wait exceeds 3–5 years. You do not have to wait.
Your Options
How to get an ADHD assessment without waiting years
Private assessment (fastest)
Book directly with a CQC-registered private provider. No referral required. Appointments typically available within 2–4 weeks. Cost from £399.
Book a private assessment →NHS Right to Choose
You are legally entitled to self-refer to a private provider for an NHS-funded assessment. No GP referral required. Waiting times vary but are typically shorter than the standard NHS pathway.
Learn about Right to Choose →Ask your GP to expedite
If your symptoms are significantly affecting your daily life, ask your GP to mark your referral as urgent. This does not guarantee faster processing but may help in some areas.
Move to a different ICB area
NHS Integrated Care Board (ICB) areas have significantly different waiting times. Some areas have waits of under 12 months; others exceed 5 years. If you move, you can re-refer in the new area.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the ADHD waiting list in the UK in 2025?
As of June 2025, NHS England recorded over 491,000 open ADHD referrals. Waiting times vary significantly by region — from under 12 months in some areas to over 5 years in others. The national average is approximately 3–4 years.
Can I skip the NHS ADHD waiting list?
You cannot jump the NHS queue, but you have two legitimate options to avoid it entirely. First, you can book a private assessment — no referral required, appointments available within weeks. Second, you can use the NHS Right to Choose pathway to self-refer to a private provider for an NHS-funded assessment, bypassing the standard waiting list.
What is the NHS Right to Choose pathway for ADHD?
The NHS Right to Choose policy gives you the legal right to choose any provider that meets NHS standards for your assessment. This includes private providers like ADHD Assessment UK. You can self-refer directly — your GP does not need to initiate the referral. The assessment is funded by the NHS, so there is no cost to you.
Is it worth paying for a private ADHD assessment?
For many adults, the cost of waiting 3–5 years for an NHS assessment — in terms of unmanaged symptoms affecting work, relationships, and mental health — significantly outweighs the cost of a private assessment. A private assessment also gives you a written report you can use immediately to access workplace adjustments, educational support, and treatment.
Will my GP accept a private ADHD diagnosis?
Yes. A diagnostic report from a CQC-registered provider is clinically valid and should be accepted by your GP. Your GP can then initiate a shared care agreement for ongoing prescribing if medication is recommended. Some GPs may request to review the report before agreeing to shared care.
You don't have to wait 5 years
Private appointments available within 2–4 weeks. No GP referral needed. From £399.