Right to Choose ADHD: Complete Step-by-Step Guide (2026)
The NHS Right to Choose scheme lets you access a free ADHD diagnosis from a private provider while the NHS pays. This cuts waiting times from 2-7 years down to 8-16 weeks. Here's exactly how to use it.
What is Right to Choose?
Right to Choose is an NHS policy that guarantees you can choose an approved private provider for specialist mental health services, and the NHS funds it. You don't pay. The waiting time drops dramatically because private providers have more appointment slots than NHS clinics.
This is different from paying privately. You're using NHS money but choosing your provider and getting faster access.
Step 1: Get Your GP Referral
Contact your GP surgery and ask for an ADHD referral. When they ask where you want to go, say: "I want to use my Right to Choose to access ADHD diagnosis through a private provider."
Some GPs will agree immediately. Others may say they have budget constraints or question whether you need private care. If refused, ask to speak to the practice manager. Right to Choose is your legal right; GPs cannot refuse without documented clinical reason.
Bring evidence: childhood school reports, performance reviews showing attention difficulties, or medical records mentioning ADHD concerns.
Step 2: Choose Your Provider
Two major approved providers are:
- Psychiatry-UK: £0 under Right to Choose. Assessment timeline 8-12 weeks. Highly structured, evidence-based. Website: psychiatry-uk.com
- ADHD360: £0 under Right to Choose. Timeline 10-16 weeks. Multiple assessment formats. Website: adhd360.co.uk
Ask your GP which providers they have agreements with. Both are approved by NHS England for Right to Choose referrals.
Step 3: Submit Your Referral
Your GP sends an NHS referral to your chosen provider. This typically takes 1-2 weeks. The provider receives it and sends you an appointment letter. You can also contact the provider directly once you know your referral is coming.
Step 4: Attend Your Appointments
Psychiatry-UK and ADHD360 follow standard assessment: initial appointment (1 hour), psychological questionnaires, collateral history (often by phone), second appointment (1 hour) for results. Total 2-4 weeks from first to final appointment.
Bring detailed information about childhood behavior, academic performance, and current symptoms. Write notes beforehand; appointments move quickly.
Step 5: Get Your Diagnosis Report
Within 1-2 weeks of final appointment, you receive a formal diagnosis report. If ADHD is diagnosed, the report is sent to your GP. Your GP can then prescribe ADHD medication (stimulants or non-stimulants) or refer you to NHS medication review services.
The diagnosis is fully recognized by employers, schools, universities, and all NHS services. You can immediately request workplace adjustments, exam accommodations, or PIP (Personal Independence Payment) applications citing your diagnosis.
What to Do While Waiting for Appointments
Right to Choose waiting lists average 8-16 weeks from referral to first appointment. While you wait, track your symptoms using daily notes or apps. Document specific examples of how ADHD affects your work and relationships. This preparation strengthens your assessment and speeds up diagnosis.
Complete the ADHD Screener and save your results. Bring them to your first appointment alongside any childhood school reports you can find.
Common Concerns
Does Right to Choose affect my NHS record? No. Private providers share reports with NHS, but this improves rather than complicates your record. It shows you've sought specialist assessment.
What if Right to Choose is refused? Request written justification from your GP. Escalate to NHS England Patient Advocacy if needed. Right to Choose is a legal right, not optional.
Prepare First
Complete the ADHD Screener before contacting your GP. It takes 5 minutes and helps you articulate your symptoms clearly.
Timeline
GP appointment: 1-2 weeks. Referral processing: 1-2 weeks. Waiting for first appointment: 4-8 weeks. Assessment period: 2-4 weeks. Report delivery: 1-2 weeks. Total: 9-19 weeks. Much faster than NHS alone.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If your GP loses the referral paperwork, request a new one in writing. If the private provider loses contact with your GP, follow up yourself — ask the provider for your GP's details and contact them directly. If you don't receive a report after your final appointment, email the provider's admin team.
These issues are rare but worth knowing about. Documentation and email follow-up prevent delays.
References
- NHS Right to Choose: NHS.uk Right to Choose
- NICE Guideline 72: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (2018, updated 2024)
- Psychiatry-UK: ADHD assessment pathway documentation
- NHS England Specialised Commissioning: Right to Choose approved providers (2025)
- Patient Rights Guide: NHS Patient Rights