Private assessment · Adults, children & young people

Private ADHD Assessment UK

Clinically reviewed by Shamir Patel(GPhC) Last reviewed September 2026

Direct answer

What is an ADHD assessment?

An ADHD assessment is a structured clinical evaluation used to determine whether a person's symptoms and history meet recognised diagnostic criteria for ADHD. A comprehensive assessment considers current symptoms, childhood history, functional impairment, other possible explanations and relevant coexisting conditions.

Carried out by appropriately qualified healthcare professionals with specialist ADHD training (NICE NG87)
Not a questionnaire or online test — rating scales support, but never replace, clinical assessment
Adults (16+) from £499 online or £699 in person, including written report and follow-up
Online or face-to-face; no GP referral needed for private assessment

Who can have an ADHD assessment?

ADHD Path assesses adults (16+), adolescents (12–15) and children (6–11) who live in the UK. You may wish to consider an assessment if difficulties with attention, restlessness or impulsivity have been present since childhood and are causing problems at home, work, school or in relationships.

An assessment is appropriate whether or not you expect a diagnosis. Its purpose is to understand your difficulties accurately — which may mean ADHD, another explanation, or both.

How is ADHD assessed?

NICE guideline NG87 states that ADHD should be diagnosed only after a full clinical and psychosocial assessment, including discussion of behaviour and symptoms in different settings, a full developmental and psychiatric history, and observer reports. Diagnosis should not be made solely on the basis of rating scales or observational data.

Pre-assessment questionnaires and collateral information
Clinical interview including a structured diagnostic interview (DIVA-5 for adults)
Developmental and educational history
Review of functional impairment and settings
Consideration of other conditions (differential diagnosis)
Diagnostic formulation, feedback and written report

The ADHD Path assessment pathway

Every assessment follows the same evidence-based sequence. The steps below are the text equivalent of our pathway diagram.

ADHD assessment pathway — 11 steps

1
Initial information
questionnaires, consent, identity check and, where available, school reports or previous records.
2
Developmental history
early childhood, school years and family history, ideally with input from someone who knew you as a child.
3
Current symptoms
inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity explored in detail with real-life examples.
4
Functional impairment
how symptoms affect work, education, relationships, finances, driving and daily life.
5
Assessment across relevant settings
evidence that difficulties occur in more than one setting (e.g. home and school/work).
6
Differential diagnosis
considering whether anxiety, depression, trauma, sleep problems, substance use or other conditions better explain symptoms.
7
Structured interview
DIVA-5 for adults or age-appropriate structured interview for children, used to organise evidence against diagnostic criteria.
8
Clinical formulation
the clinician integrates all evidence using clinical judgement.
9
Diagnostic outcome
whether recognised criteria (DSM-5-TR / ICD-11) are met, not met, or further information is needed.
10
Written report
formulation, outcome, reasoning and recommendations.
11
Next steps
psychoeducation, support options, medication assessment where appropriate, or signposting.

Who conducts the assessment?

Assessments are carried out by GPhC-registered specialist ADHD pharmacists and practitioners with recognised ADHD diagnostic training (e.g. UKAAN), following NICE NG87, which allows diagnosis by an appropriately qualified healthcare professional with training and expertise in ADHD. Medication, where appropriate, is only initiated by a prescriber with ADHD expertise. You can view every clinician's qualifications and registration number on their profile.

How long does it take?

The adult clinical assessment usually lasts 2–3 hours, with questionnaires completed beforehand. Child assessments usually take 2.5–3.5 hours across parent/carer and young-person sessions. Your written report is normally sent within 10 working days.

How much does it cost?

Prices below are shown in full so you can see exactly what is and is not included.

ADHD Path price breakdown
Item	What it covers	Price
AssessmentAdult ADHD assessment (16+) — onlineSecure video assessment. Pre-assessment questionnaires, clinical assessment including DIVA-5, review of collateral information, diagnostic outcome, written report and follow-up call.	Secure video assessment. Pre-assessment questionnaires, clinical assessment including DIVA-5, review of collateral information, diagnostic outcome, written report and follow-up call.Duration: 2–3 hours	£499one-off
AssessmentAdult ADHD assessment (16+) — in personFace-to-face assessment at one of our clinics. Pre-assessment questionnaires, clinical assessment including DIVA-5, review of collateral information, diagnostic outcome, written report and follow-up call.	Face-to-face assessment at one of our clinics. Pre-assessment questionnaires, clinical assessment including DIVA-5, review of collateral information, diagnostic outcome, written report and follow-up call.Duration: 2–3 hours	£699one-off
AssessmentAdolescent ADHD assessment (12–15) — onlineSecure video assessment. Parent/carer interview, time with the young person, school information review, developmental history, diagnostic outcome, written report and follow-up call.	Secure video assessment. Parent/carer interview, time with the young person, school information review, developmental history, diagnostic outcome, written report and follow-up call.Duration: 2.5–3.5 hours	£649one-off
AssessmentAdolescent ADHD assessment (12–15) — in personFace-to-face assessment at one of our clinics. Parent/carer interview, time with the young person, school information review, developmental history, diagnostic outcome, written report and follow-up call.	Face-to-face assessment at one of our clinics. Parent/carer interview, time with the young person, school information review, developmental history, diagnostic outcome, written report and follow-up call.Duration: 2.5–3.5 hours	£849one-off
AssessmentChild ADHD assessment (6–11) — onlineSecure video assessment. Parent/carer interview, time with the young person, school information review, developmental history, diagnostic outcome, written report and follow-up call.	Secure video assessment. Parent/carer interview, time with the young person, school information review, developmental history, diagnostic outcome, written report and follow-up call.Duration: 2.5–3.5 hours	£649one-off
AssessmentChild ADHD assessment (6–11) — in personFace-to-face assessment at one of our clinics (often recommended for younger children). Parent/carer interview, time with the young person, school information review, developmental history, diagnostic outcome, written report and follow-up call.	Face-to-face assessment at one of our clinics (often recommended for younger children). Parent/carer interview, time with the young person, school information review, developmental history, diagnostic outcome, written report and follow-up call.Duration: 2.5–3.5 hours	£849one-off
ReportWritten clinical reportFull written report with diagnostic formulation and recommendations, sent within 10 working days. Included in both assessments.	Full written report with diagnostic formulation and recommendations, sent within 10 working days. Included in both assessments.	Included
Follow-upPost-assessment follow-up callA 30-minute call to discuss the report and next steps. Included in both assessments.	A 30-minute call to discuss the report and next steps. Included in both assessments.	Included
TitrationTitration reviewDose-adjustment review, usually every 2–4 weeks. Most people need 3–6 reviews, but this varies.	Dose-adjustment review, usually every 2–4 weeks. Most people need 3–6 reviews, but this varies.Duration: 20–30 minutes	£199per review
PrescriptionsPrivate prescription feePrivate prescriptions issued during titration are included within the titration review cost. Your prescription is written on a private prescription form (pink prescription paper) and can either be posted to your home address, so you can take it to a pharmacy of your choice, or sent to our partner pharmacy, Pharmacare in Bolton (GPhC premises 9012877), which will dispense your medication and deliver it directly to your door — typically within 24 hours of receiving payment for the cost of the medicine.	Private prescriptions issued during titration are included within the titration review cost. Your prescription is written on a private prescription form (pink prescription paper) and can either be posted to your home address, so you can take it to a pharmacy of your choice, or sent to our partner pharmacy, Pharmacare in Bolton (GPhC premises 9012877), which will dispense your medication and deliver it directly to your door — typically within 24 hours of receiving payment for the cost of the medicine.	Included
Additional costsShared care agreement letterOnce you have been stable and optimised on medication for 3 consecutive months, if your NHS GP will accept shared care we will complete the forms to request this. Shared care is at your GP's discretion and cannot be guaranteed.	Once you have been stable and optimised on medication for 3 consecutive months, if your NHS GP will accept shared care we will complete the forms to request this. Shared care is at your GP's discretion and cannot be guaranteed.	£150one-off
MonitoringOngoing monitoring reviewSix-monthly review of benefit, side effects and physical health, in line with NICE NG87. If your NHS GP approves shared care, we will still check in with you every 6 months to make sure your medication is being prescribed safely by your GP, and we will write to your GP after each review to confirm whether it remains appropriate to continue.	Six-monthly review of benefit, side effects and physical health, in line with NICE NG87. If your NHS GP approves shared care, we will still check in with you every 6 months to make sure your medication is being prescribed safely by your GP, and we will write to your GP after each review to confirm whether it remains appropriate to continue.	£99per 6 months
PrescriptionsRepeat prescription (clinician approved only)If you are not eligible for a shared care agreement, or your NHS GP declines shared care, an ongoing monthly repeat prescription service is available. The £49 monthly fee covers repeat prescription writing, issued only with clinician approval, and our clinicians will continue to monitor you under our care.	If you are not eligible for a shared care agreement, or your NHS GP declines shared care, an ongoing monthly repeat prescription service is available. The £49 monthly fee covers repeat prescription writing, issued only with clinician approval, and our clinicians will continue to monitor you under our care.	£49per month

What happens after the assessment?

You will receive feedback on the outcome and a written report. If criteria for ADHD are met, the report sets out recommendations, which may include psychoeducation, practical support, workplace or educational adjustments, and — where clinically appropriate — a medication assessment.

If criteria are not met, the report explains why, discusses other possible explanations for your difficulties, and suggests appropriate next steps. An assessment does not guarantee a diagnosis or medication.

Not sure an assessment is right for you?Take the free 3-minute adult screening questionnaire (ASRS v1.1). It's a screening tool, not a diagnosis.

Book an ADHD Assessment

Structured clinical assessment and written outcome.

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Frequently asked questions

Do I need a GP referral for a private ADHD assessment?

No. You can refer yourself. With your consent we will write to your GP after the assessment, which is important if you later want to explore shared care.

Is DIVA-5 used?

Yes, for adults. DIVA-5 is a structured interview that helps organise evidence about childhood and adult symptoms. It is one part of the assessment, not a test that produces a diagnosis on its own.

Can the assessment be done online?

Yes, for most adults and many young people. Some people are better assessed face to face — for example where information is limited or presentation is complex. We will advise if this applies.

Can medication be prescribed?

If ADHD is diagnosed and medication is clinically appropriate, you can book a separate medication assessment and titration. Medication is never guaranteed.

What if I don't meet the criteria?

Your clinician will explain the reasoning, discuss other possible explanations and recommend next steps. Not meeting criteria is a valid clinical outcome.

Will my diagnosis be recognised by the NHS?

A diagnosis made by an appropriately qualified clinician following NICE guidance should be recognised, but whether an NHS GP agrees to shared-care prescribing is decided by the individual practice and cannot be guaranteed.

What should I bring?

Photo ID, school reports if you have them, any previous assessments, a list of current medicines, and — ideally — contact details for someone who knew you as a child.

How quickly can I be seen?

Current availability is shown live in the booking system. We do not make claims about NHS waiting times, which vary by area.

Related ADHD Path services

Clinical authorship & review

Written by

Sadiqur Rahman

TBC · ADHD Specialist Pharmacist Assessor

GPhC 2228297

Clinically reviewed by

Shamir Patel

MPharm, Independent Prescriber · CQC Registered Manager & Clinical Pharmacist

GPhC 2049338

Published: 1 September 2026
Last reviewed: 28 September 2026
Next review: 28 September 2027

References

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: diagnosis and management (NG87). National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), 2018, updated 2019. Source
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) — Diagnosis. NHS. Source
ADHD in adults. Royal College of Psychiatrists. Source
Kooij JJS et al. Updated European Consensus Statement on diagnosis and treatment of adult ADHD. European Psychiatry 2019;56:14–34. European Psychiatry (peer-reviewed), 2019. Source
DIVA-5: Diagnostic Interview for ADHD in Adults. DIVA Foundation. Source