What Right to Choose means for ADHD
Right to Choose is a legal right in the NHS Constitution for England and the NHS Commissioning Board Regulations 2012 to choose your provider for most first outpatient appointments — including adult ADHD assessment. For ADHD, several NHS-commissioned independent providers run dedicated services with shorter waiting lists than many local NHS specialist teams.
Crucially: this is still NHS care. The assessment, diagnosis, and follow-up (including titration of medication) are free. The provider bills the NHS, not you.
Who can use it
- Adults in England (Right to Choose is an England-only NHS right).
- Patients who need a first elective outpatient appointment.
- Anyone whose GP agrees that a specialist ADHD assessment is appropriate — and they will, unless there's a clinical reason not to refer.
Right to Choose doesn't apply to urgent care, maternity, or services for which there is no qualifying NHS provider on the e-Referral Service.
Choosing a provider
Provider availability and waiting times change. Always check the provider's current NHS Right to Choose page directly before asking for a referral. Common providers patients use include Psychiatry UK, ADHD 360, Clinical Partners, and others — but this list shifts. Compare on three things:
- Current waiting time (the provider must publish this).
- Assessment format (video, in-person, length of session).
- Shared-care policy after diagnosis — what they expect from your GP for medication continuation.
Asking your GP — sample wording
Take this to your GP in writing. Keep a copy.
Your GP cannot refuse a Right to Choose referral on the grounds of cost or that they don't usually use that provider. They can refuse on clinical grounds — but the reason has to go on your record.
After diagnosis: shared care
If you're diagnosed and prescribed medication, the Right to Choose provider will normally manage titration. Once you're stabilised, they'll usually ask your GP to take over prescribing under a shared-care agreement, with the specialist remaining responsible for the diagnosis and reviews.
Shared care is at your GP's discretion. Some practices say yes, some don't. Check with your practice before the assessment if continued NHS prescription matters to you — a clear yes in writing avoids a nasty surprise later.
If your GP refuses to refer at all, see our guide on what to do when a GP won't refer. A formal, NICE-cited letter — NG87 covers adult ADHD — is often what unlocks the conversation. Finally Seen writes that for £49.
Frequently asked questions
›Is Right to Choose free?
Yes. Right to Choose providers are NHS-commissioned: the ADHD assessment, diagnosis and follow-up treatment (including titration of medication) are free at the point of use, the same as any NHS care.
›Do I need a referral from my GP?
Yes. Right to Choose requires a GP referral to your chosen NHS-funded provider. Your GP cannot refuse a Right to Choose referral simply because they don't usually use that provider.
›Which providers offer ADHD assessment under Right to Choose?
Several NHS-commissioned independent providers do, including Psychiatry UK, ADHD 360, Clinical Partners and others. Provider lists change; check NHS e-Referral Service and the provider's own NHS Right to Choose page before referral.
›How long is the wait?
Right to Choose providers often quote shorter waits than local NHS ADHD services — sometimes months rather than years — but waits are growing as demand rises. Always check the provider's current published waiting time before requesting referral.
›Will my GP do shared care for medication?
Many GPs will agree a shared-care agreement once you're stabilised, so prescriptions can come on the NHS. Some won't, in which case medication may need to come privately or you may need a different shared-care arrangement.