NHS Right to Choose for ADHD: What It Is, How It Works, and How to Use It
What Is NHS Right to Choose—and Why Does It Matter for ADHD?
If you’ve been referred by your GP for an ADHD assessment and told to wait 12+ months, you’re not stuck.
Thanks to a policy called Right to Choose, eligible patients in England can access faster ADHD diagnosis and treatment—via an NHS-funded private provider.
Yes, that includes private clinics like Psychiatry UK and others delivering care at NHS expense.
Who Is Eligible for Right to Choose ADHD Referrals?
You must:
Be registered with a GP in England
Be referred by your GP for ADHD assessment
Request a provider that offers Right to Choose services (e.g. Psychiatry UK)
Be seeking non-urgent treatment
✅ Children and adults are both eligible
❌ It is not available in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland
Which ADHD Providers Offer Right to Choose?
Which ADHD Providers Offer Right to Choose?
As of 2025, several ADHD-specialist providers are approved under the NHS Right to Choose scheme:
| Provider Name | Format | Wait Times (Est.) |
|---|---|---|
| Psychiatry UK | Online | 8–18 weeks |
| ADHD 360 | In-person | 6–12 weeks |
| Clinical Partners | Mixed | Varies |
💡 Note: Focus Gently is not currently a Right to Choose provider—but we offer faster, private, self-pay alternatives with medication initiation.
How Do I Use Right to Choose for ADHD?
Ask Your GP for a Referral
Request referral to a specific Right to Choose provider—they are obligated to refer if eligible.Submit Patient Information
Most providers will request ID, address, and GP details.Wait for Confirmation + Triage
You'll be added to their internal list and sent intake forms.Attend Your Assessment
Delivered online or in person depending on provider.
Is It Truly Free? What About Prescriptions?
Yes—under Right to Choose, your ADHD assessment is NHS-funded.
Treatment access depends on the provider:
Some offer titration and shared care
Others only provide a diagnosis and refer back to your GP
Prescriptions (post-diagnosis) are subject to standard NHS charges
⚠ If you need faster or more flexible options, private care may be more appropriate.
Right to Choose vs Private ADHD Treatment – What's the Difference?
Right to Choose vs Private ADHD Treatment – What's the Difference?
| Feature | Right to Choose | Private (e.g. Focus Gently) |
|---|---|---|
| Cost to You | Free (NHS-funded) | £895–£1,600 |
| Wait Time | 8–30+ weeks | <2 weeks |
| Medication Included | Sometimes | Yes – if clinically appropriate |
| GP Referral Required | Yes | No |
| Prescribing Speed | Slower | Fast-track |
| Eligibility | England only | UK-wide |
When Should You Go Private Instead?
Choose private ADHD treatment if:
You want to start in under 3 weeks
You want direct prescribing and titration
You can’t wait for the NHS or Right to Choose pathway
You’ve been denied a referral or are stuck at triage stage
Get Treated Faster: The Focus Gently Option
We offer:
Full ADHD diagnosis with NICE-compliant reports
Remote prescribing and titration
NMC-registered Nurse Prescribers
Transparent pricing from £895
No waiting lists. No GP barriers. Just safe, fast access to ADHD care.
