ADHD Assessments in the UK: Costs, Waiting Times, and What to Expect (2025 Guide)
If you’re trying to understand how ADHD assessments work in the UK—and how much they actually cost—you’re not alone. The system can feel confusing and inconsistent, with huge differences in waiting times depending on where you live, which route you choose, and how urgently you need support.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know: the three main assessment pathways, the real price ranges, how long you’ll wait for each option, and what actually happens during an ADHD assessment.
Before we dive in, if you want fast, clear guidance tailored to your situation, you can join the Focus Gently pre-launch list here
The Three Ways to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
There are three primary routes to an ADHD assessment:
1. Local NHS ADHD Services (UK-wide)
Free at the point of use
Longest waiting times (often years)
Requires GP referral
2. NHS “Right to Choose” Providers (England only)
Free, NHS-funded service delivered by independent clinics
Much faster than local NHS teams
GP must agree to refer you
3. Private ADHD Clinics (UK-wide)
Fastest access
Costs vary significantly
Often available online or in person
Each route has its benefits, but the “best” one depends on your budget, your location, and how quickly you want a formal diagnosis.
How Much Private ADHD Assessments Cost in the UK
Private ADHD assessment prices vary, but the UK average is around £1,267. Actual fees range from £530 to £2,300, depending on provider type, whether the assessment is for a child or adult, and whether the service is online or in-person.
Typical Pricing (2024–2025)
Mid-range adult assessments: £700–£1,700
Child assessments: £650–£1,600
Higher-end specialist clinics: £1,400–£1,700
Budget or digital-first assessments: £399–£800 (medication usually extra)
| Type of service | Typical price | What’s included |
|---|---|---|
| Online private clinic | £700–£1,200 | Video assessment, diagnosis, report; meds extra |
| Specialist clinic (longer assessment) | £1,400–£1,700 | In-depth assessment, detailed report and plan |
| Budget/app-based service | £399–£800 | Shorter assessment, more digital forms |
| Child assessment | £650–£1,600 | Parent interviews, school questionnaires, multi-session |
| NHS (local or RTC) | Free | Full assessment and follow-up, long waits |
If you’re comparing costs, it’s worth asking:
Does the fee include medication initiation?
Is the follow-up appointment included?
Will the clinic support shared-care with your GP?
ADHD Assessment Waiting Times in the UK
This is where the biggest differences show up.
Local NHS Waiting Times
Often months to years
Some areas report waits of 4+ years
Some ICBs have paused referrals for adults altogether
Right to Choose (England)
Typically 12–18 months
Free and usually much faster than your local NHS team
Private Clinics
Usually 2–8 weeks
Some offer appointments within 2–3 weeks
NHS vs Private Wait Times
Waiting times vary dramatically:
Local NHS teams: waits can be several months to several years. Some areas report 4+ years.
Right to Choose (England): typically 12–18 months.
Private clinics: usually 2–8 weeks, with some offering slots in as little as 2–3 weeks.
| Route | Timeframe | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Local NHS service | Months to years | Varies heavily by postcode |
| Right to Choose | 12–18 months | NHS-funded but delivered by independent providers |
| Private (self-funded) | 2–8 weeks | Fastest access |
What Actually Happens in an ADHD Assessment?
Although each provider’s process is slightly different, most ADHD assessments follow the same core structure.
1. Questionnaires and Screening Tools
You (and sometimes family, partner, parent, or teacher) complete forms about symptoms across different settings.
2. A Detailed Clinical Interview
A specialist will ask about:
childhood development
education and work
mental health history
home life
day-to-day functioning
how symptoms impact you now
The assessment usually lasts 1.5–2 hours or longer.
3. Collateral Information
Especially important for:
children (school SENCO/teacher reports)
adults (old school reports, family input)
4. Optional Computer-Based Tests
Some clinics use attention or inhibitory control tests as part of the picture.
5. Diagnostic Feedback + Written Report
You receive a formal report that outlines:
whether you meet the criteria
how the diagnosis was reached
recommended treatment options (e.g., medication, coaching, adjustments, psychoeducation)
How to Choose the Right Assessment Route for You
Here are the key trade-offs:
If cost is your main concern
Choose:
Local NHS
Right to Choose (England)
Both are free, but wait times vary drastically.
If speed is your priority
Choose:
Private self-funded assessment
You’ll typically be seen within weeks, not years.
If you want NHS prescriptions after a private diagnosis
Check with your GP before booking privately.
Some GP practices will only enter shared care with certain providers.
If you live in England
Always check Right to Choose before going private.
It’s free, faster than local NHS waits, and widely used.
Want Clearer ADHD Support and Faster Guidance?
If you want structured guidance on choosing the right pathway—and tools that make the process easier—you can join the Focus Gently pre-launch list.
You’ll get:
step-by-step referral guidance
comparison tools for NHS, RTC and private routes
early access to ADHD support resources
priority updates on our upcoming app and guides
