Factual comparison

NHS vs Private ADHD Assessment

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

Direct answer

Should I have an NHS or a private ADHD assessment?

NHS and private ADHD assessments should both follow NICE NG87 and be carried out by appropriately qualified specialists. The main differences are cost, how you are referred, waiting times (which vary by area), and arrangements for prescribing after diagnosis. The right choice depends on your circumstances.

Both should follow NICE NG87
NHS assessment is free but usually needs GP referral
Right to Choose applies in England only
Shared care after private diagnosis is not guaranteed

At-a-glance comparison

	NHS	Private (ADHD Path)
Cost	Free at the point of use	Adults £499 online / £699 in person; children & adolescents £649 online / £849 in person
Referral	Usually via GP	Self-referral
Waiting time	Varies by area — ask your GP or local service	Live availability shown when booking
Clinical standard	NICE NG87	NICE NG87
Prescribing after diagnosis	Specialist initiates; GP may continue under shared care	Private titration; shared care subject to GP agreement
Choice of clinician	Limited	View profiles and choose

NHS ADHD assessment

NHS assessments are free and delivered by local specialist services. You usually need a GP referral. Criteria and waiting times vary between areas and change over time, so ask your GP about your local pathway.

Right to Choose (England)

In England, if you are referred by your GP for a first outpatient appointment with a consultant-led mental health service, you may have a legal right to choose which provider you are referred to, if that provider holds a relevant NHS contract. ADHD Path does not currently offer NHS Right to Choose assessments.

What you are paying for privately

A private assessment offers self-referral, choice of clinician and appointment time, and transparent timelines. The clinical standard should be the same. You are paying for a comprehensive assessment — not for a diagnosis or medication.

Shared care after a private diagnosis

Shared care is an arrangement where a GP continues prescribing after a specialist initiates and stabilises medication. It is subject to individual GP practice agreement and cannot be guaranteed. We recommend asking your GP about their policy before booking if this matters to you.

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Structured clinical assessment and written outcome.

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Frequently asked questions

Is a private ADHD diagnosis recognised by the NHS?

A diagnosis by an appropriately qualified clinician following NICE guidance should be recognised clinically. Prescribing arrangements are a separate decision for your GP.

Can my GP refuse shared care?

Yes. GPs can decline shared care, for example if they don't feel it is within their competence or local policy doesn't support it.

Does Right to Choose apply in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland?

No, the legal right to choose applies in England.

Can I go private and stay on the NHS waiting list?

Generally yes — tell your GP if you have a private assessment.

Are NHS and private assessments different clinically?

Both should follow NICE NG87. Individual services vary in format.

How long is the NHS wait for ADHD assessment?

It varies considerably by area. Your GP or local service can tell you the current wait.

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
Your choices in the NHS — choosing where to go for your first appointment. NHS England. Source
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) — Diagnosis. NHS. Source