How do I get an ADHD diagnosis in the UK?

There are two main routes. NHS: ask your GP for a referral to a specialist adult ADHD service (waiting lists are long, often 1–5+ years depending on trust). Private: book an assessment with a GMC-registered psychiatrist who specialises in adult ADHD; assessments typically cost £700–£1,500 and take 2–6 weeks. Only a psychiatrist, specialist nurse prescriber, or paediatrician can formally diagnose ADHD in the UK.

What is the Right to Choose for ADHD?

In England, NHS patients have a legal Right to Choose their mental-health provider for a first outpatient appointment. This lets you bypass long local NHS waits by being referred (still NHS-funded) to a regulated independent provider such as Psychiatry-UK, ADHD 360, or Clinical Partners. Your GP must agree to the referral. Right to Choose does not apply in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.

Can I get ADHD medication after a private diagnosis?

Yes, but ongoing prescribing on the NHS requires a shared-care agreement between your private clinic and your GP. Not all GPs accept shared care. Without one, you'll continue to pay privately for medication and reviews (typically £30–£100 per month plus appointment fees).

How much does a private ADHD assessment cost?

Adult ADHD assessments in the UK typically range £700–£1,500. Titration (finding the right medication and dose) usually adds £300–£800 over 3–6 months. Ongoing reviews are £100–£250 per appointment. Right to Choose providers are free at the point of use because they bill the NHS.

Will an ADHD diagnosis affect my job?

ADHD is generally protected under the Equality Act 2010 where it has a substantial and long-term effect on day-to-day activities. You are not required to disclose to an employer, but doing so triggers the duty to consider reasonable adjustments. Diagnosis cannot be used as grounds for dismissal or to withdraw a job offer.

Guide · UK

ADHD diagnosis in the UK: finding a specialist and getting support

A practical walk-through of the UK ADHD diagnosis pathways — NHS, Right to Choose, and private — plus where to find specialist psychiatrists and what support is available after diagnosis. General information, not medical advice.

In a crisis? If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999. For urgent mental-health support, call the NHS on 111 (option 2 for mental health) or Samaritans on 116 123 (free, 24/7).

The three UK routes to diagnosis

1. NHS referral

Free at point of use. GP refers to local adult ADHD service. Waits commonly 1–5+ years depending on trust.

2. Right to Choose (England)

Still NHS-funded. Your GP refers to a regulated independent provider (e.g. Psychiatry-UK). Waits typically weeks to months.

3. Private assessment

You pay (£700–£1,500). Fastest route — usually 2–6 weeks. Ongoing medication needs shared care with your GP.

Step by step

Self-screen. Take the free ASRS-v1.1 (adult self-report scale) on the ADHD UK or NHS website. A high score doesn't diagnose — it gives your GP useful context.
Book a double GP appointment. Say you'd like to be assessed for ADHD and would like a referral. Bring your self-screen score, examples of how symptoms affect work and home, and ideally a Right to Choose template letter.
Choose your route. NHS local service, NHS Right to Choose provider, or private. Right to Choose is usually the fastest free option in England.
Assessment. A consultant psychiatrist (or specialist nurse prescriber) takes a structured developmental and current-symptom history, usually with input from a family member where possible. 60–120 minutes.
Diagnosis and titration. If diagnosed, you'll discuss treatment options. Medication titration usually runs 3–6 months to find the right type/dose, with regular reviews.
Shared care. For ongoing NHS prescribing after a private or Right to Choose diagnosis, ask your GP to enter a shared-care agreement with the clinic.

Specialist clinics and psychiatrists

A non-exhaustive list of UK providers commonly used by adults seeking assessment. We're not affiliated and don't take referral fees — check current CQC registration, fees and waiting times before booking.

Psychiatry-UK
Largest UK Right to Choose provider for adult ADHD assessment and titration. CQC-registered.
Right to Choose (NHS-funded)
ADHD 360
Adult and child ADHD assessment, titration and shared-care across England.
Right to Choose (NHS-funded)
Clinical Partners
ADHD, autism and combined assessments. Right to Choose and private routes.
Right to Choose (NHS-funded)
ProblemShared
Online adult ADHD and autism assessments via the NHS Right to Choose pathway.
Right to Choose (NHS-funded)
The ADHD Centre
Private clinics in London, Manchester, Birmingham and online. Assessment, medication and coaching.
Private
Harley Therapy — psychiatrists
Directory of London-based consultant psychiatrists; ADHD and adult assessment.
Private
ADHD UK
Independent UK charity. Up-to-date NHS waiting-time data, Right to Choose templates, peer groups.
Charity / peer support
ADDISS
The National Attention Deficit Disorder Information and Support Service. Family and adult resources.
Charity / peer support
AADD-UK
Adult ADHD charity — local groups across the UK and a starter guide for newly diagnosed adults.
Charity / peer support
NHS — ADHD overview
Official NHS information on ADHD symptoms, diagnosis and treatment pathways.
NHS

Support after diagnosis

Medication. Stimulants (methylphenidate, lisdexamfetamine) and non-stimulants (atomoxetine, guanfacine). Reviewed regularly by your prescriber.
ADHD coaching. Practical, future-focused support for routines, follow-through and executive function. Often funded via Access to Work.
Therapy. ADHD-informed CBT or ACT for anxiety, low mood and rejection sensitivity that frequently co-occur.
Access to Work. UK government grant covering coaching, equipment, software and support workers. Apply at gov.uk/access-to-work.
Reasonable adjustments at work. See our neuroinclusion guide for what to ask for and how to frame the conversation.
Peer support. ADHD UK, ADDISS and AADD-UK run local and online groups — often the most useful thing in the first months.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get an ADHD diagnosis in the UK?: There are two main routes. NHS: ask your GP for a referral to a specialist adult ADHD service (waiting lists are long, often 1–5+ years depending on trust). Private: book an assessment with a GMC-registered psychiatrist who specialises in adult ADHD; assessments typically cost £700–£1,500 and take 2–6 weeks. Only a psychiatrist, specialist nurse prescriber, or paediatrician can formally diagnose ADHD in the UK.
What is the Right to Choose for ADHD?: In England, NHS patients have a legal Right to Choose their mental-health provider for a first outpatient appointment. This lets you bypass long local NHS waits by being referred (still NHS-funded) to a regulated independent provider such as Psychiatry-UK, ADHD 360, or Clinical Partners. Your GP must agree to the referral. Right to Choose does not apply in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
Can I get ADHD medication after a private diagnosis?: Yes, but ongoing prescribing on the NHS requires a shared-care agreement between your private clinic and your GP. Not all GPs accept shared care. Without one, you'll continue to pay privately for medication and reviews (typically £30–£100 per month plus appointment fees).
How much does a private ADHD assessment cost?: Adult ADHD assessments in the UK typically range £700–£1,500. Titration (finding the right medication and dose) usually adds £300–£800 over 3–6 months. Ongoing reviews are £100–£250 per appointment. Right to Choose providers are free at the point of use because they bill the NHS.
What support is available after diagnosis?: After diagnosis you can access: medication (via NHS or private), ADHD coaching, CBT or ADHD-informed therapy, Access to Work funding for workplace support and equipment, reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act 2010, and peer support through ADHD UK or ADDISS. Diagnosis also strengthens any request for adjustments at work or in education.
Will an ADHD diagnosis affect my job?: ADHD is generally protected under the Equality Act 2010 where it has a substantial and long-term effect on day-to-day activities. You are not required to disclose to an employer, but doing so triggers the duty to consider reasonable adjustments. Diagnosis cannot be used as grounds for dismissal or to withdraw a job offer.

How NEO helps

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General information for UK adults. Not medical or legal advice. Provider details change — always confirm CQC registration, current fees and waiting times with the clinic before booking. For clinical questions, speak to your GP or a qualified psychiatrist.