Private ADHD Assessment UK: Skip 2+ Year NHS Waiting Lists
If you're reading this, you're probably frustrated with NHS ADHD waiting lists that stretch for years while your symptoms continue to impact your daily life. You're not alone - thousands of adults across the UK are turning to private ADHD assessment services to get the diagnosis and treatment they need without the endless wait.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore everything you need to know about private ADHD assessment in the UK, including costs, timelines, what to expect, and how to choose the right service for your needs.
The NHS ADHD Crisis: Why Private Assessment is Booming
Current NHS Waiting Times
The NHS ADHD assessment system is in crisis. Recent data shows:
Average waiting time: 2+ years for initial assessment
Some regions: Up to 4 years for adults
Post-pandemic surge: 400% increase in ADHD referrals
Service capacity: Only 21,000 assessments completed in 2023 vs 177,000+ on waiting lists
These statistics aren't just numbers - they represent real people whose lives are on hold while waiting for answers.
The Real Cost of Waiting
While you wait for NHS assessment, untreated ADHD continues to impact:
Work performance and career progression
Relationships with family and friends
Mental health (anxiety, depression rates higher in undiagnosed ADHD)
Financial stability due to impulsivity and disorganization
Overall quality of life and self-esteem
For many adults, the cost of private assessment becomes insignificant compared to the cost of continuing to wait.
What is Private ADHD Assessment?
Private ADHD assessment involves getting diagnosed by qualified healthcare professionals outside the NHS system. These assessments:
Follow the same clinical standards as NHS services
Use identical diagnostic criteria (NICE guidelines, DSM-5)
Are conducted by qualified professionals (psychiatrists, nurse prescribers, clinical psychologists)
Provide the same diagnostic reports accepted by GPs and other healthcare providers
The key difference? Speed and convenience.
Benefits of Private ADHD Assessment
1. Fast Access to Diagnosis
Private assessment timeline:
Initial consultation: Usually within 1-2 weeks
Full assessment: 90-120 minutes, scheduled at your convenience
Results: Diagnostic report within 1 week
Total time: 2-4 weeks from inquiry to diagnosis
Compare this to NHS: 2+ years average wait time
2. Flexible Appointment Options
Online consultations available across the UK
Evening and weekend appointments
In-person options in major cities
No travel required for online assessments
3. Comprehensive Service
Most private providers offer:
Pre-assessment questionnaires to streamline the process
Detailed diagnostic reports for your records
Treatment recommendations and medication guidance
GP letters to facilitate shared care
Follow-up support for treatment initiation
4. No Postcode Lottery
Unlike NHS services which vary dramatically by region, private assessment provides:
Consistent quality regardless of location
Same high standards across all providers
No geographical restrictions for online assessments
Types of Private ADHD Assessment
Online/Video Assessment
Best for:
Busy professionals
Those in remote areas
People uncomfortable with in-person appointments
Anyone seeking convenience
What to expect:
Secure video platform consultation
Same clinical rigor as in-person assessment
Document sharing capabilities
Recording options for accuracy
In-Person Assessment
Best for:
Those preferring face-to-face interaction
Complex cases requiring physical examination
Individuals uncomfortable with technology
Local residents near clinic locations
Available locations:
London, Manchester, Birmingham
Edinburgh, Glasgow, Bristol
Many other major cities
Hybrid Assessment
Some providers offer:
Initial consultation online
Follow-up in-person if needed
Flexible switching between formats
Cost of Private ADHD Assessment UK
Assessment Costs
Initial diagnostic assessment:
Budget providers: £495-£650
Mid-range providers: £800-£1,200
Premium providers: £1,200-£1,500
What's typically included:
90-120 minute comprehensive assessment
Detailed diagnostic report
Treatment recommendations
GP letter
One follow-up consultation
Ongoing Treatment Costs
Follow-up consultations:
30-minute appointments: £125-£225
Medication reviews: £85-£200
Annual reviews: £400-£600
Prescription costs:
Repeat prescriptions: £30-£75 (administration)
Medication costs: £35-£250/month (depending on medication)
Package Deals
Many providers offer first-year packages:
Assessment + 12 months support: £1,500-£2,500
Often includes: Regular reviews, medication titration, shared care support
Savings: 10-20% vs individual appointments
Choosing the Right Private ADHD Assessment Provider
Essential Qualifications to Look For
Clinical staff must be:
GMC registered (for doctors)
NMC registered (for nurse prescribers)
HCPC registered (for psychologists)
CQC registered (service provider)
Red flags:
Unregistered practitioners
No CQC registration
Unclear qualifications
Pressure to book immediately
Assessment Quality Indicators
Look for providers who:
Follow NICE guidelines
Use standardized assessment tools
Provide comprehensive reports
Offer shared care support
Have transparent pricing
Show genuine patient testimonials
Questions to Ask Potential Providers
What are your practitioner's qualifications?
Are you CQC registered?
What assessment tools do you use?
How long is the assessment process?
What's included in the diagnostic report?
Do you support shared care with my GP?
What are your follow-up costs?
Can you provide patient references?
The Private ADHD Assessment Process
Step 1: Initial Inquiry and Booking
Typical process:
Complete online inquiry form
Phone consultation (10-15 minutes)
Pre-assessment questionnaires
Appointment booking (usually within 2 weeks)
Step 2: Pre-Assessment Preparation
You'll typically need:
Completed ADHD symptom questionnaires
Childhood evidence (school reports, family input)
Current impact documentation
Medical history summary
List of current medications
Step 3: The Assessment Appointment
What happens during 90-120 minutes:
Detailed clinical interview (60-90 minutes)
Symptom assessment using standardized tools
Developmental history review
Current impact evaluation
Differential diagnosis consideration
Treatment discussion if diagnosed
Step 4: Results and Report
Within 1 week you'll receive:
Comprehensive diagnostic report
Treatment recommendations
GP letter for shared care
Resource and support information
Follow-up appointment scheduling
Step 5: Treatment Planning
If diagnosed, next steps include:
Medication titration (if appropriate)
Therapy referrals
Lifestyle recommendations
Shared care arrangement with GP
Regular review scheduling
Understanding Shared Care Arrangements
What is Shared Care?
Shared care means:
Private provider initiates treatment
Your GP takes over routine prescribing
Private provider maintains oversight
You pay NHS prescription charges (not private fees)
Benefits of Shared Care
Reduced long-term costs (NHS prescription charges vs private)
Continued access to your regular GP
Specialist oversight when needed
Sustainable long-term treatment model
Making Shared Care Work
Steps to successful shared care:
Choose a provider with good GP relationships
Discuss with your GP before starting private assessment
Ensure clear communication between providers
Understand the process and timelines
Be patient - shared care setup takes time
Preparing for Your Private ADHD Assessment
Gathering Evidence
Childhood evidence:
School reports mentioning attention/behavior issues
Family member observations
Previous psychological assessments
Medical records from childhood
Current impact documentation:
Work performance reviews
Relationship difficulties
Daily life challenges
Previous mental health treatment
Completing Questionnaires Thoroughly
Tips for accurate completion:
Be honest about symptoms
Provide specific examples
Consider different life contexts (work, home, social)
Don't minimize or exaggerate
Ask family/friends for input
Mental Preparation
Before your assessment:
Get adequate sleep
Eat a proper meal
Arrive early to avoid rushing
Bring a support person if helpful
Prepare questions in advance
What Happens After Diagnosis?
If You're Diagnosed with ADHD
Immediate next steps:
Review treatment options with your clinician
Discuss medication vs. non-medication approaches
Plan titration schedule (if choosing medication)
Arrange GP communication for shared care
Schedule follow-up appointments
Treatment Options Available
Medication:
Stimulants (methylphenidate, lisdexamfetamine)
Non-stimulants (atomoxetine, guanfacine)
Titration process to find optimal dose
Non-medication approaches:
ADHD coaching
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
Lifestyle modifications
Organizational strategies
If You're Not Diagnosed
Alternative explanations might include:
Anxiety or depression
Sleep disorders
Thyroid issues
Other neurological conditions
Lifestyle factors
Next steps:
Discuss alternative diagnoses with your clinician
Consider appropriate referrals
Implement recommended strategies
Follow up as needed
Legal and Practical Considerations
Insurance and Private Health Coverage
Check if your policy covers:
ADHD assessment costs
Ongoing treatment expenses
Prescription medications
Follow-up consultations
Employment Considerations
ADHD diagnosis can support:
Reasonable workplace adjustments
Access to Work scheme applications
Disability discrimination protection
Flexible working arrangements
University and Education Support
Students can access:
Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA)
Extended exam time
Alternative assessment methods
Additional learning support
Focus Gently: Your Partner in ADHD Assessment
Why Choose Focus Gently?
At Focus Gently, we understand the frustration of waiting years for ADHD assessment. That's why we've created a service designed around your needs:
✓ Fast Access: Assessment appointments within 2 weeks
✓ Qualified Expertise: NMC registered nurse prescriber with specialist ADHD training
✓ Flexible Options: Online and in-person assessments available
✓ Transparent Pricing: From £950 with no hidden costs
✓ Comprehensive Care: Full assessment, diagnosis, and treatment support
✓ Shared Care Support: We work with your GP for long-term sustainability
Our Assessment Process
1. Quick Booking: Contact us today for assessment within 2 weeks
2. Thorough Evaluation: 90-minute comprehensive ADHD assessment
3. Clear Results: Detailed diagnostic report within 1 week
4. Treatment Support: Medication titration and ongoing care
5. GP Integration: Shared care arrangement for sustainable treatment
Transparent Pricing
Initial Assessment Package - £950:
90-minute comprehensive ADHD diagnostic assessment
Detailed diagnostic report accepted by GPs and employers
Treatment recommendations and medication guidance
GP letter for shared care arrangement
One 30-minute follow-up consultation
Complete First Year Package - £1,740:
Everything in Assessment Package
12 months of treatment support
Medication titration and reviews
Regular check-in appointments
Shared care facilitation
Priority booking for appointments
Save £259 compared to separate bookings
Getting Started
Ready to skip the NHS waiting list and get the ADHD assessment you need?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is private ADHD assessment legitimate?
Yes, private ADHD assessments are completely legitimate when conducted by qualified, registered healthcare professionals. They follow the same clinical guidelines as NHS assessments and are recognized by GPs, employers, and educational institutions.
Will my GP accept a private ADHD diagnosis?
Most GPs accept private ADHD diagnoses, especially when conducted by qualified professionals and accompanied by comprehensive reports. However, it's worth discussing with your GP beforehand to ensure they're comfortable with shared care arrangements.
Can I get private assessment on the NHS Right to Choose?
Right to Choose applies to NHS-funded services. Some private providers offer NHS-funded assessments through Right to Choose, but this still involves waiting lists, though typically shorter than local NHS services.
How do I know if a private provider is legitimate?
Check that providers are:
CQC registered
Staff are GMC/NMC/HCPC registered
Follow NICE guidelines
Provide comprehensive reports
Have genuine patient testimonials
Offer transparent pricing
What if I can't afford private assessment?
Options include:
Payment plans offered by many providers
Right to Choose for NHS-funded private providers
Charity grants for ADHD assessment
Employer health insurance coverage
Splitting costs with family members
Is online assessment as good as in-person?
Online ADHD assessment can be just as thorough as in-person evaluation when conducted by qualified professionals. The clinical interview - the most important part of ADHD assessment - translates well to video consultation.
Take Action Today
Don't let another year pass while waiting for NHS ADHD assessment. Private assessment offers:
Fast access to qualified professionals
Comprehensive evaluation using the same standards as NHS
Flexible scheduling to fit your life
Treatment support to get you started on the right path
Shared care options for long-term sustainability
The cost of private assessment is often far less than the cost of continuing to live with undiagnosed ADHD affecting your work, relationships, and wellbeing.
Ready to get started?
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals for personalized medical guidance.