Written by Khalid Anwar · Last reviewed 20 August 2026
An NHS assessment is publicly funded and delivered through the relevant local or commissioned pathway. A private assessment is paid for by the patient and may allow self-referral. Neither label alone guarantees quality: the assessment should be conducted by an appropriately qualified professional with training and expertise in ADHD and should follow a comprehensive diagnostic process.
Access and referral
For an NHS pathway, adults usually begin with their GP or another eligible referrer. Waiting times and service criteria vary. In England, patient-choice rules may apply to an eligible referral when the provider and service are clinically appropriate and the provider holds the required NHS contract.
Private services can normally accept self-referral. Check the age range, whether appointments are remote or in person, what information is required and whether the service can assess relevant complexity.
Cost
NHS assessment is not privately charged to the patient. Private care may include separate charges for assessment, follow-up, titration, prescriptions, medicine and monitoring. Ask for the full pathway cost rather than comparing only headline assessment fees.
The clinical assessment and report
NICE describes diagnosis as a specialist clinical process using developmental and psychiatric history, symptoms and behaviour across settings, functional impairment, observer information where appropriate and assessment of mental state. Screening questionnaires should not be used as a diagnosis on their own.
Ask whether a written report is included, what it contains, who signs it and how corrections or follow-up questions are handled. A private report can be shared with NHS clinicians, but later NHS treatment and shared-care decisions vary.
Treatment and follow-up
An assessment does not automatically lead to medication. If ADHD is diagnosed, treatment choices should reflect clinical suitability and patient preference. Where medication is used, initiation, titration and monitoring need clear professional responsibility. A GP is not required to accept a private shared-care request.
Right to Choose
Right to Choose is an NHS route in England, not another name for all private providers. ADHD Assessment UK currently provides private self-funded assessment and is not a Right to Choose provider.
Questions to compare
- Who will assess me and how can I verify their registration?
- What does the assessment include and how long does it take?
- Is collateral or historical information considered?
- Is the report included?
- What happens after the outcome?
- What are all possible costs and who remains responsible for monitoring?
ADHD Assessment UK offers remote private assessments for adults aged 18–65 across the UK. The Assessment Only package is £399 and appointments usually last 90–120 minutes.
Sources
NICE NG87 recommendations
NHS: ADHD in adults
NHS England: Patient choice guidance
Related guidance
Is a private diagnosis accepted by the NHS?
Private assessment pricing
Waiting-time options
Right to Choose information
General information only; it does not replace individual medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.