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

  1. What are your practitioner's qualifications?

  2. Are you CQC registered?

  3. What assessment tools do you use?

  4. How long is the assessment process?

  5. What's included in the diagnostic report?

  6. Do you support shared care with my GP?

  7. What are your follow-up costs?

  8. 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:

  1. Choose a provider with good GP relationships

  2. Discuss with your GP before starting private assessment

  3. Ensure clear communication between providers

  4. Understand the process and timelines

  5. 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.

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What to Expect from a Private ADHD Assessment (Step-by-Step Guide)

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How to Get ADHD Medication Privately in the UK (2025)