ADHD Assessment in London: NHS, Right to Choose & Private

An ADHD assessment in London is available through three main routes: a standard NHS referral, the NHS Right to Choose scheme, or a self-funded private clinic. NHS assessments are free but waiting times across many London boroughs currently stretch to several years. Private clinics can typically see adults within weeks, though costs vary considerably by provider.

TL;DR — Key Takeaways

• NHS ADHD assessments are free; London waiting lists frequently exceed two to three years in many boroughs.
• The Right to Choose scheme lets NHS patients in England request an alternative qualified provider, often reducing waits compared with a standard local referral.
• Private assessments in London typically involve a structured clinical interview plus validated rating scales; confirm current pricing directly with any clinic.
• A formal diagnosis opens access to medication, talking therapies, and workplace or educational adjustments under the Equality Act 2010.
• While awaiting assessment, consistent sleep, regular meals, movement, and good nutrition all support everyday concentration and mental energy.

What is an ADHD assessment?

An ADHD assessment is a structured clinical evaluation carried out by a psychiatrist or specialist nurse to determine whether someone meets the diagnostic criteria for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. It is not a single test. Instead, it combines a detailed clinical interview covering childhood and current symptoms, validated rating scales, and sometimes a collateral account from a family member or partner. The process typically takes 60 to 90 minutes, with a written report following within one to three weeks.

Why are London ADHD waiting times so long?

Demand for ADHD services in England has risen sharply over the past decade, and London's NHS trusts have not been able to expand capacity at the same pace. Several trusts have periodically paused new adult referrals when demand outstrips available clinical resource. Children and young people's services face similar pressures. The result is that many Londoners wait two years or more from GP referral to first appointment, which is why understanding alternative routes matters.

How to get an ADHD assessment in London: step by step

The three main pathways each follow a broadly similar clinical process but differ in cost, speed, and who carries out the evaluation.

1. Standard NHS referral. Ask your GP to refer you to your local NHS ADHD service. The assessment and any subsequent prescriptions are free, but waiting times in London are long — often two to three years for adults.
2. NHS Right to Choose. At the same GP appointment, tell your GP you wish to exercise your Right to Choose and name a qualified NHS-contracted provider. Your GP sends the referral; the chosen clinic contacts you to book. The assessment remains fully NHS-funded. Providers such as Psychiatry UK accept Right to Choose referrals for adult ADHD assessment, and waits are typically shorter than the standard local route, though they still vary by provider and current demand.
3. Private assessment. Book directly with a CQC-registered private clinic. No GP referral is required, though sharing the outcome with your GP afterwards is advisable. Costs vary; confirm current pricing with the clinic before booking.
4. Attend the assessment. Whether NHS or private, the clinical process is broadly the same: a structured interview, validated rating scales (such as the Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scales or the DIVA interview), and a written report.
5. After diagnosis. Discuss medication options, psychoeducation, and any relevant workplace or educational adjustments with your clinician. If assessed privately, ask your GP about a shared-care arrangement for NHS prescribing.

Right to Choose: what Londoners need to know

The NHS Right to Choose policy has been in place since 2018. Any patient registered with a GP in England can request referral to any qualified, NHS-contracted provider that offers the service elsewhere in England. Your GP cannot refuse a valid Right to Choose request. Waits through this route are generally shorter than a standard local NHS referral, though they can still run to several months depending on the provider and current demand. It is worth checking waiting times directly with any provider before submitting the referral.

What does a private ADHD assessment cost in London?

Private adult ADHD assessments in London commonly run from several hundred pounds to just over a thousand, depending on what is included: the initial interview, rating scales, a written report, and sometimes a follow-up appointment. Some specialist clinics charge more. Costs change over time, so always confirm current pricing directly with the clinic. Post-diagnosis medication prescribed privately adds a further ongoing cost unless your GP agrees to a shared-care arrangement, which is not guaranteed and depends on your practice and local Integrated Care Board policy.

Assessment routes compared

Route	Cost	Typical wait (adult)	GP referral needed?
Standard NHS	Free	2–3+ years in many London boroughs	Yes
Right to Choose (NHS-funded)	Free	Shorter, but varies by provider; can be several months	Yes
Private clinic	Several hundred to ~£1,000+	Days to weeks	No (though advisable to inform GP)

What happens after a diagnosis?

A confirmed diagnosis opens several practical doors. Medication — stimulant or non-stimulant — may be offered alongside psychoeducation and, where appropriate, cognitive behavioural therapy. Workplace adjustments become easier to request formally under the Equality Act 2010. Students can apply for Disabled Students' Allowances through Student Finance England. For children and young people, a diagnosis can support access to an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan.

Many neurodivergent adults also take an interest in everyday nutrition and lifestyle habits to help maintain mental energy on demanding days. Brainzyme® FOCUS PRO™ is a plant-based food supplement containing whole-food ingredients including matcha green tea, L-theanine, and choline, formulated to help sustain concentration and support normal cognitive function as part of a balanced diet. It is a food supplement, not a medical treatment, and is not intended to address any clinical condition.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get an ADHD assessment quickly in London?

Yes, if you use the Right to Choose scheme or self-fund a private assessment. Both routes are generally faster than a standard NHS referral. Exact waiting times vary by provider and change frequently, so check directly with any clinic or Right to Choose provider before making a decision.

Does a private ADHD diagnosis count for NHS prescriptions?

It can. Many GPs will enter a shared-care agreement with a private psychiatrist, making NHS prescriptions available after the initial private assessment. This is not guaranteed and depends on your GP practice and local Integrated Care Board policy — it is worth asking your GP before booking privately.

Is there an upper age limit for an ADHD assessment in London?

No. Adults of any age can be referred for assessment. NICE guidance recognises that ADHD should be considered across the lifespan, and late diagnosis in older adults is increasingly common.

Are online ADHD assessments valid in the UK?

Assessments conducted by UK-registered psychiatrists via video consultation are clinically valid. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) regulates online providers operating in England. Checking CQC registration before booking is strongly advisable.

About the author

Brainzyme® Team regularly contribute tips, advice, and evidence-based findings to the Brainzyme® blog. For the national picture, see our guide to ADHD assessment across the UK.