ADHD Shared Care Explained: Private to NHS (2025)
Confused about how ADHD shared care works in the UK? This guide explains the process, the benefits, the challenges, and how private ADHD treatment can connect with NHS services through shared care agreements.
What Is ADHD Shared Care?
Shared care is a collaborative agreement between an NHS GP and a private provider, such as a nurse-led ADHD clinic. It allows your GP to take over repeat ADHD prescriptions on the NHS, after you have been stabilised on medication through private treatment.
Shared care helps patients access affordable, ongoing ADHD medication without needing repeated private appointments. It relies on:
A valid diagnosis from a recognised clinician (aligned to NICE guidelines)
A stable, effective medication regimen
A willingness by the NHS GP and their local integrated care board (ICB) to participate
Why Choose Shared Care?
Affordability: Once medication is stabilised, you pay standard NHS prescription rates rather than private prescription fees.
Convenience: Follow-up appointments move back to your local GP rather than private clinics.
Continuity: Combines specialist ADHD assessment with NHS local support for long-term care.
How Does Shared Care Work with Private ADHD Treatment?
1️⃣ Initial Private Assessment: A nurse prescriber or psychiatrist confirms ADHD, writes a comprehensive report, and proposes treatment.
2️⃣ Medication Initiation: Private prescriptions help stabilise your treatment.
3️⃣ Shared Care Handover: Once stable, your private provider writes to the NHS GP requesting a shared care agreement.
4️⃣ GP Review: The GP and local ICB consider and approve the agreement (policies vary by region).
5️⃣ Ongoing Care: Your ADHD medication is prescribed through NHS repeat scripts, with clinical reviews as needed.
Are GPs Required to Accept Shared Care?
No. Shared care is voluntary for NHS GPs. Some GPs or ICBs decline due to capacity, funding, or local policy. However, many will agree if:
The private clinic follows NICE guidelines
The report is comprehensive
The patient is stable on medication
Our nurse-led clinic supports clear, compliant handover to maximise GP acceptance.
Benefits of Nurse-Led ADHD Shared Care
✅ Faster assessment & diagnosis
✅ Faster medication initiation
✅ Reduced private costs longer-term
✅ Consistent clinical oversight from a registered nurse prescriber
FAQs
What if my GP refuses shared care?
You can continue private follow-up and prescriptions, or explore local NHS ADHD pathways.
Is shared care guaranteed?
No — it depends on your GP and ICB policy. We support handover requests to maximise approval.
Will private assessments be accepted by the NHS?
Yes, if completed by NICE-aligned, qualified professionals. Our reports are designed to meet those criteria.
Ready to take the next step?
Join our waitlist to access a nurse-led private ADHD assessment with support for shared care handover to your NHS GP.
