NHS vs Private ADHD Assessment: What You Need to Know in 2026

The Current Landscape

Getting an ADHD assessment in the UK has never had more options — or more confusion. NHS waiting lists remain long, private clinics have proliferated, and the Right to Choose pathway sits somewhere in between.

Here's an honest comparison to help you decide which route is right for you.

NHS Assessment

How It Works

1. Visit your GP and describe your symptoms
2. GP refers you to local NHS ADHD service
3. Wait for assessment appointment
4. Attend assessment (typically 1-2 hours)
5. Receive diagnosis and treatment plan

Wait Times

As of early 2026, NHS ADHD assessment waiting times vary dramatically by region:

• London: 18-36 months
• South East: 12-24 months
• North West: 12-18 months
• Scotland: 12-24 months

Some areas have seen improvements, but waits of 2+ years are still common.

Cost

Free at the point of use. Ongoing medication and follow-ups are covered under NHS prescribing (standard prescription charges apply, or free if you have a prepayment certificate).

Pros

• No upfront cost
• Seamless ongoing NHS care
• GP remains fully in the loop

Cons

• Very long waiting times
• Limited specialist availability in some regions
• Assessment quality can vary by service

Private Assessment

How It Works

1. Choose a private ADHD clinic
2. Book directly (no GP referral usually needed)
3. Attend assessment (typically 60-90 minutes)
4. Receive diagnosis, report, and treatment plan
5. Clinic writes to your GP for shared care

Wait Times

Most private clinics offer appointments within 1-4 weeks. At Dopa, we typically have same-week availability.

Cost

Private ADHD assessment costs in the UK typically range from £500-£1,200, depending on the clinic and what's included. Some clinics charge separately for the report, medication initiation, and follow-ups.

At Dopa, our packages start from £495 and include the assessment, diagnostic report, and medication initiation if appropriate.

Pros

• Fast — weeks rather than years
• Choose your clinician
• Flexible scheduling (evenings, weekends, video)
• Comprehensive report included

Cons

• Upfront cost
• Shared care arrangement needed with GP for ongoing prescribing
• Quality varies between providers (check CQC registration)

Right to Choose

Right to Choose is a legal right under the NHS Constitution that allows you to choose any qualified provider for your first outpatient appointment — including private ADHD specialists.

How It Works

1. Ask your GP to refer you under Right to Choose
2. GP sends referral to your chosen private ADHD provider
3. Provider assesses you (funded by the NHS)
4. You receive diagnosis and treatment

Important Caveats

• Your GP must agree to make the referral — they can't refuse on grounds of cost, but some GPs are unfamiliar with the process
• Not all private clinics accept Right to Choose referrals
• Wait times are growing as more people use this pathway — some RTC providers now have 3-6 month waits
• Ongoing care may or may not be covered, depending on the commissioning arrangement

Which Route Should You Choose?

Our Recommendation

If you can wait and cost is a barrier, the NHS route is perfectly valid — just be prepared for a long wait.

If you want a faster assessment without paying out of pocket, Right to Choose is worth exploring with your GP.

If you want the fastest route with full control over timing and clinician choice, private assessment gives you that flexibility.

Whatever route you choose, make sure the provider is CQC registered and that the clinician has specific ADHD expertise.

Ready to Book?

At Dopa, we offer same-week ADHD assessments with experienced, CQC-registered clinicians. Every assessment includes a comprehensive diagnostic report and, if appropriate, medication initiation.

Book your assessment →

This article is for informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional about your individual situation.