ADHD Assessments in the UK: Costs, Waiting Times, and What Actually Happens
If you’re wondering whether you might have ADHD as an adult, the process of getting assessed in the UK can feel overwhelming. Long NHS waits, confusing private options, mixed advice online—it’s a lot. But with the right information, the path becomes much clearer.
Here’s a straightforward guide to what an ADHD assessment involves, how much it typically costs, how long you might wait, and how to choose a safe provider. By the end, you’ll know exactly which route fits your needs—and your timeline.
If you already know you want faster access, you can pre-book a spot on our ADHD Assessment Waitlist here.
What does an ADHD assessment cost in the UK?
Private ADHD assessments usually fall between £700 and £1,500 for adults. The average is around £1,200, though packages vary widely depending on what’s included.
Some clinics offer online assessments from around £590–£715, while more comprehensive packages (including follow-ups, titration support, and medication reviews) can reach £1,800+.
Key things to check before comparing prices:
Length of the diagnostic interview
Whether the full written report is included
Whether they contact your GP for you
If medication initiation and titration are part of the package
How many follow-ups you receive
NHS and Right to Choose assessments are free, but you “pay” through waiting time rather than money.
NHS vs Right to Choose vs Private: Which route is right for you?
Three main pathways can help you access an ADHD assessment and treatment. Compare them below to decide which one best aligns with your needs, timeline, and budget.
- No personal cost.
- Linked to your local NHS mental health team.
- Very long waits (often years).
- Limited choice of provider and clinic.
- Faster than many local NHS waiting lists.
- You can choose from approved national ADHD providers.
- Still often several months of waiting.
- Available only if you are registered with a GP in England.
- Fast access, often within weeks.
- More flexible appointment times (evenings/weekends).
- Ability to choose your clinician or service.
- Higher personal cost.
- Shared care with your GP is not always guaranteed.
If you can wait and you live in England, Right to Choose is a strong starting point. If you need clarity quickly—or long waits are affecting work, study, or wellbeing—private assessment offers speed and structure.
If you know you want sooner access:
→ Join the Priority Waitlist (fast-track appointments)
How long are ADHD waiting times right now?
Demand for ADHD services has surged, and waiting times show it.
Current estimates across the UK:
Local NHS: often 3–5 years for adult assessments
Right to Choose: frequently 6–12 months
Private clinics: usually 2–8 weeks
There may also be a secondary wait for medication titration—especially within NHS systems.
What actually happens during an ADHD assessment?
A good ADHD assessment should feel like a structured conversation—not a test you can fail. The clinician’s goal is to build a detailed picture of your childhood, your current challenges, your strengths, and how everything fits together.
Most assessments include:
1. Questionnaires
You’ll usually complete rating scales and background forms. Sometimes someone who knew you in childhood is asked to complete one too.
2. A long clinical interview (1.5–3 hours)
This covers:
Childhood and adult symptoms
School and work history
Mental health background
Strengths and coping strategies
What symptoms look like day-to-day
3. Collateral information
School reports or other records help confirm childhood symptoms.
4. Optional tests
Some clinics include cognitive or computer-based attention tests. These are supportive—not diagnostic on their own.
5. A detailed written report
You’ll receive a clear explanation of whether you meet ADHD criteria, plus tailored recommendations and next steps.
What happens after a diagnosis?
You and your clinician will discuss:
Medication options
Any monitoring needed (e.g., blood pressure or ECG, depending on history)
Titration schedules
Shared-care with your GP
Non-medication supports such as ADHD coaching, workplace adjustments, CBT-style approaches
If you plan to start medication, it’s worth checking how the clinic handles titration and shared-care agreements upfront so you’re not left in limbo.
How to choose a safe ADHD clinic
The ADHD marketplace has grown quickly, and quality varies. When comparing providers, look for:
Regulated clinicians (GMC for doctors, NMC for nurses)
CQC-registered services where applicable
Clear breakdown of what’s included and how long the assessment lasts
Transparent pricing—avoid hidden fees
Clear medication and shared-care policies
A reputable service should feel transparent, structured, and patient-focused—not rushed or sales-driven.
The emotional side of assessment
Beyond the logistics, an ADHD assessment can feel big. Many adults describe it as a mix of relief, recognition, and even grief for the years spent struggling without answers.
Tips to make the process easier:
Bring notes or examples—you don’t need to rely on memory
Ask for breaks or clarification during the assessment
Read your report slowly and highlight what resonates
Give yourself time to process the outcome
Whether you pursue medication, coaching, lifestyle adjustments, or a mix of approaches, the assessment is a starting point—not the end.
Not ready for a full assessment yet?
Using a trusted ADHD screener can give you an early sense of whether an assessment is worth pursuing.
But if you're already at the stage where you want clarity—and you don’t want to wait months or years—our service can help.
Ready to move forward?
If you'd like faster access to a structured, specialist-led ADHD assessment with clear next steps and ongoing support, you can pre-book your place now.
*→ Join the Priority ADHD Assessment Waitlist (Spaces Limited)
We’ll notify you as soon as appointments open, with priority access for early sign-ups.
