How Right to Choose provider selection works
In England, most adult first outpatient referrals let you pick any NHS-contracted provider (NHS Commissioning Board and CCGs (Responsibilities and Standing Rules) Regulations 2012). For adult ADHD, several independent providers hold NHS Standard Contracts, and their published waits are often shorter than local NHS teams.
The providers, at a glance
Waiting times change constantly. Check each provider's own current waiting-time page before referral.
| Provider | Format | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Psychiatry-UK | Video (mostly) | Long-established NHS RTC provider; comprehensive titration and shared-care request pathway. |
| ProblemShared | Video | Adult ADHD and autism NHS RTC pathways; publishes waiting time by pathway. |
| ADHD 360 | Video / in-person clinics | Adult ADHD assessment and titration; check current NHS pathway on their site. |
| Clinical Partners | Video / in-person | Both private and NHS-contracted pathways exist; the GP referral must go via the NHS e-Referral Service to the NHS pathway to be free. |
| Psicon | Video / clinics (south east) | NHS RTC for adult ADHD assessment; check ICB contract coverage. |
How to compare
- NHS contract status for your ICB (stated on the provider's own Right to Choose page).
- Current published wait for assessment and for titration.
- Assessment format (video vs in-person, length of session, whether an ADOS or QbCheck is used).
- Shared-care policy: what the provider expects the GP to do post-titration.
- CQC rating and provider response to the 2023 Panorama coverage.
Naming a provider in the GP letter
Say: "I would like to be referred under my NHS Right to Choose to [provider], who holds an NHS Standard Contract for adult ADHD assessment." State the e-Referral Service code if you have it. Ask for the referral to go via the NHS e-Referral Service to the provider's NHS pathway, not their separate private pathway.
Shared care
After titration the provider will typically ask the GP to take over prescribing under a shared-care agreement, with the specialist responsible for reviews. Shared care is at the GP's discretion. Ask your practice for an in-principle decision before referral.
Get the GP letter
Our assessment drafts a GP-ready Right to Choose referral letter naming your chosen provider, citing the regulations, and asking for confirmation via e-Referral.
Frequently asked questions
Which providers hold NHS Right to Choose contracts for adult ADHD?
Provider lists change. Widely used NHS-contracted providers include Psychiatry-UK, ProblemShared, ADHD 360, Clinical Partners and Psicon. Always confirm current NHS Right to Choose contract on the provider's own site before naming them in a GP letter.
How long are the waits?
Waits change constantly and have grown significantly across all NHS-funded providers as demand has risen. Do not rely on any figure in a third-party article. Check the provider's own published waiting-time page in the week you refer.
Do all providers offer shared care afterwards?
Most Right to Choose providers can hand titrated patients back to the GP under a shared-care agreement, but GPs are not obliged to accept. Agree shared care with your GP in principle before you refer.
Can I name a provider in my GP letter?
Yes. Right to Choose lets you specify an NHS-contracted provider. State provider name, that they hold an NHS Standard Contract for adult ADHD assessment, and (if you know) the e-Referral service code.
Are these providers safe to use post-Panorama?
The 2023 BBC Panorama coverage focused on titration standards at some private-pay pathways. The NHS-contracted Right to Choose pathway is regulated by NHS Standard Contract terms. Check CQC ratings and the provider's response to Panorama before choosing.
General information, not clinical or benefits advice. Finally Seen is not affiliated with any provider named above, DWP, or the NHS. Verify each provider's current NHS Right to Choose status on their own site before requesting referral.