ADHD Assessment

Process, Costs & What to Expect

Getting assessed for ADHD can feel overwhelming. This guide explains how assessments work in the UK, your NHS vs private options (including Right to Choose in England), what happens on the day, typical costs, and what comes next.

Quick summary

  • Routes: NHS referral via your GP, Right to Choose (England), or private assessment. 

  • What the assessment includes: clinical interview, history since childhood, impact across settings, questionnaires and (for some patients) informant input. 

  • Tools you may encounter: structured diagnostic interviews (e.g., DIVA‑5) and, for ages 6–17, QbTest can be used alongside clinical assessment per NICE diagnostics guidance. 

  • Typical private costs: recent UK market research suggests an average around £1,200–£1,300, varying by provider and package. 

  • After diagnosis: treatment plans are personalised; medication must be started and monitored by a specialist, with GP shared‑care sometimes possible. 

How to get an ADHD assessment in the UK

1) NHS pathway (free at the point of use)

Start by booking a GP appointment. If appropriate, your GP can refer you to an ADHD specialist service. Waiting times vary by area. 

2) Right to Choose (England)

If you live in England, you generally have a legal right to choose the hospital or service for a GP‑referred mental health condition, including ADHD—often including some private providers that deliver services to the NHS. Discuss options with your GP and use NHS e‑Referral. 

3) Private assessment

Private clinics can offer faster access and flexible scheduling. Many provide video assessments and evening slots. If you plan to pursue NHS prescriptions after a private diagnosis, ask in advance about shared‑care arrangements with your GP. 

What happens during an ADHD assessment

An ADHD assessment is a specialist appointment (e.g., psychiatrist) that reviews your symptoms and their impact across work/education, relationships and daily life. The clinician will explore whether symptoms began in childhood and may seek input from someone who knows you well (e.g., a parent or partner). 

Typical components:

  • Pre‑assessment questionnaires (self‑report and, where possible, informant forms).

  • Clinical interview mapping symptoms and impairment to diagnostic criteria (NICE). 

  • Structured tools such as DIVA‑5 (a DSM‑5–based adult ADHD interview). 

  • Objective measures (children/young people): NICE DG60 recommends QbTest as an option for ages 6–17 only, always alongside standard clinical assessment. (For adults, NICE calls for more research.) 

  • Screening for co‑existing conditions (e.g., anxiety, depression, autism traits) and risk factors, per NICE guidance. 

How much does a private ADHD assessment cost in the UK?

Prices vary by clinic, location and what’s included (e.g., length, informant interviews, titration/follow‑ups). A 2024 UK survey of 401 private clinics found an average assessment cost of ~£1,267 (≈£1,200 adults; ≈£1,361 children). Follow‑up appointments averaged ~£173. Treat these as benchmarks, not fixed quotes. 

After a diagnosis: treatment & support

  • Medication: must be initiated and monitored by an ADHD specialist. First‑line options often include methylphenidate or lisdexamfetamine; non‑stimulants such as atomoxetine may be considered when stimulants are unsuitable. Your GP may continue prescribing only if a shared‑care agreement is in place. 

  • Non‑medication supports: psychoeducation, cognitive‑behavioural strategies, coaching, reasonable adjustments at work/uni, sleep and routine optimisation (NHS). 

  • Reviews: treatment should be regularly reviewed for benefit and side effects (NICE). 

How to prepare (checklist)

  • Bring photo ID, any school reports (if available), and past health records.

  • Make a brief timeline of childhood through adulthood with concrete examples of difficulties.

  • Ask a relative/partner if they can provide informant input.

  • List current medications and any health conditions.

  • Note goals for assessment (e.g., clarity, workplace adjustments, treatment options).

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a GP referral for a private assessment?

Many clinics accept self‑referrals. If you want NHS prescriptions via shared‑care afterwards, your GP must agree; discuss this with your GP before you book. 

Can I use Right to Choose for ADHD?

In England, you usually have the legal right to choose the provider for a GP‑referred mental‑health service, including ADHD, provided the service delivers care to the NHS. 

What tests are used?

Clinicians use interviews and questionnaires; DIVA‑5 is a common structured interview for adults. For ages 6–17, NICE says QbTest may be used alongside clinical assessment; it is not recommended as a stand‑alone tool or for routine adult diagnosis. 

Will my GP prescribe after a private diagnosis?

Possibly, but only under a shared‑care agreement with the specialist service. This is at your GP’s discretion. 

How long will it take?

Timeframes vary by provider and region. Ask your clinic for current timelines and what’s included (e.g., feedback visit, titration, written report).

Sources: