How to Get a Private ADHD Assessment in the UK: Costs, Providers & NHS Rebates (Explained Clearly)

Getting an ADHD assessment on the NHS in the UK can take years in some areas. It’s no surprise that more and more adults and parents are looking at private ADHD assessments instead.

But private ADHD is now a bit of a jungle: lots of providers, different prices, mixed quality, and confusion about whether the NHS will accept your diagnosis or help with prescriptions afterwards.

This guide explains, in plain English:

• What a proper ADHD assessment should look like

• How private ADHD assessments work in the UK

• Typical costs (assessment, titration, follow-ups, meds)

• When the NHS might fund or “honour” a private assessment

• What “Right to Choose” is and how it fits in

• Real-world examples and warning signs to watch for

You can use this whether you’re seeking an assessment for yourself or for your child.

Why So Many People Are Going Private for ADHD

Awareness of ADHD in adults and children has grown fast. But NHS services haven’t kept up.

• The NHS itself acknowledges that ADHD assessment waiting times in some areas are now “several months or years”. (ADHD in adults – NHS: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/adhd-adults/)

• Charities like ADHD UK have collected Freedom of Information data showing NHS waiting times can stretch into multiple years in many regions (UK NHS ADHD Waiting Times – ADHD UK: https://adhduk.co.uk/uk-nhs-adhd-waiting-times/).

For some people, that delay is life-changing: problems at work, university, finances, mental health and relationships often worsen without support.

So people look for alternatives:

• Self-funding a private assessment

• Using health insurance

• Using the NHS “Right to Choose” route (England only) to access an independent provider funded by the NHS

• Looking for hybrid models where the NHS and private sector share the care

Before you spend money, it helps to know what a good ADHD assessment actually involves.

What a Proper ADHD Assessment Should Include (NICE Standards)

In the UK, ADHD assessment and treatment are guided by NICE guideline NG87: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: diagnosis and management (NICE NG87: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng87).

In simple terms, a good assessment should:

• Be done by a qualified professional

  • Usually a psychiatrist, specialist ADHD nurse, paediatrician, or clinical psychologist with ADHD expertise

• Take a full history

  • Current symptoms and how they affect work, study, relationships, daily life

  • Childhood history (school reports, parental input where possible)

• Look for symptoms across settings

  • Home, school, work, social life

• Check that symptoms have been present since childhood and cause significant impairment

• Screen for or explore other conditions

  • Anxiety, depression, autism, bipolar disorder, substance use, trauma, learning difficulties

• Use rating scales as support, not the only evidence

• Give you a clear, written assessment report with:

  • Diagnosis or explanation if not ADHD

  • Reasoning behind the decision

  • Treatment recommendations (medication, therapy, workplace/school adjustments, coaching etc.)

If a private provider offers a very quick, questionnaire-only assessment with little discussion of your wider life or childhood, it’s unlikely to fully meet UK standards.

Types of Private ADHD Assessment in the UK

People often talk about “going private” as if it’s one thing. In reality, there are several paths:

A. Fully Private Self-Pay Assessment

You contact a private clinic directly, book an assessment and pay the full cost yourself.

Pros:

• Usually faster than local NHS services

• Often more flexibility (evening/weekend appointments, online)

Cons:

• You pay for assessment, follow-ups, and usually medication titration

• Your GP or local NHS team may or may not agree to take over prescribing later

Typical providers:

• Independent psychiatrists

• Private clinics specialising in ADHD and autism

• Larger mental health groups offering ADHD assessments

B. Private Assessment Through Health Insurance

If you have private health insurance (through work or individually), it may cover ADHD assessment and sometimes treatment.

The catch:

• Not all insurers cover ADHD assessments for adults

• Even if they do, they might not cover long-term medication or follow-up

• You still face the question: will your NHS GP accept shared care afterwards?

Always check with your insurer before booking.

C. NHS-Funded Independent Providers via “Right to Choose” (England Only)

If you live in England and are registered with a GP there, you may have the legal right to choose an independent provider for ADHD assessment and still have it funded by the NHS. This comes under “Right to Choose”.

More on your NHS choices:
Your choices in the NHS (https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/about-the-nhs/your-choices-in-the-nhs/)

Many ADHD services describe themselves as “Right to Choose” providers. In this route:

• You don’t pay for the assessment itself

• Your GP does a referral to an approved provider

• The provider is contracted to deliver NHS-standard assessments

• On paper, this should make acceptance by GPs and local NHS teams more likely (though reality can still be messy)

Some NHS practices and clinics explain the Right to Choose process clearly. Example: ADHD & ASD Right To Choose Process – Limelight Health Hub (https://www.limelighthealthhub.nhs.uk/2025/07/09/adhd-asd-right-to-choose-process/).

Important: Right to Choose is an NHS route, not a “rebate” after you’ve already paid privately. It’s more like getting a faster ADHD assessment from an independent provider, funded by the NHS from the start.

Typical Costs of Private ADHD Assessment in the UK

Prices change all the time, but as a rough guide for adults in the UK:

• Initial assessment: often between £500 and £1,200

• Combined assessment + titration package: commonly £800–£1,800+

• Follow-up appointments: £120–£250 each

• Private prescriptions: extra, on top of medication costs

Some recent guides, like those from private psychiatry clinics and comparison platforms, show broadly similar ranges across the UK (for example, adult ADHD diagnosis cost comparisons: https://wecovr.com/guides/adult-adhd-diagnosis-uk-nhs-waiting-times-vs-private-costs-2026/ and https://www.audhdpsychiatry.co.uk/nhs-vs-private-adhd-assessment-guide/).

For children, costs can be similar or slightly higher:

• Longer appointments

• Need to coordinate with school and parents

• More complex multi-disciplinary work

Hidden costs to consider:

• Time off work or childcare for appointments

• Ongoing private prescriptions if your GP won’t enter shared care

• Possible repeat assessments if your first private report is not accepted by the NHS or deemed below standard

Will the NHS Accept a Private ADHD Diagnosis?

This is the big, messy question.

In Theory

If your private assessment:

• Follows NICE NG87

• Is done by a suitably qualified specialist

• Provides a clear report and treatment plan

…your GP or local ADHD service may accept the diagnosis and agree to shared care (NHS prescriptions and monitoring, while you still see the specialist for some reviews).

In Practice

Reality is changing fast:

• Some NHS areas are becoming more cautious about accepting private ADHD diagnoses because of concerns about inconsistent quality.

• Investigations have found that a significant proportion of private assessments may not meet NHS standards, and there have been real patient safety issues, especially where follow-up is poor or non-existent.

• In some regions, Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) have advised GPs not to enter shared care agreements based solely on private diagnoses, leading to people losing NHS prescriptions and facing high private medication costs.

The result:
You cannot rely on the NHS automatically “honouring” a private diagnosis or automatically taking over prescribing. It is often down to:

• Your GP’s judgement

• Local NHS policies

• The specific provider and quality of the report

Before you book and pay, it’s sensible to ask your GP directly:

“If I get a private ADHD assessment with a provider that follows NICE guidelines, are you able to consider shared care for medication if they provide a thorough report and titrate me to a stable dose?”

You may not get a firm promise, but at least you’ll know roughly where you stand.

Are There NHS “Rebates” for Private ADHD Assessments?

Short answer: for most people, no.

There is no standard UK scheme where you:

1. Pay privately for an ADHD assessment, and then

2. Claim the money back from the NHS later

What can happen instead:

• NHS-funded assessment from the start

  • via Right to Choose, if you live in England and meet the criteria

• NHS taking over prescribing

  • Your GP may eventually agree to prescribe ADHD medication on the NHS if you’ve been stabilised by a private or RTC provider and the report is good

  • This doesn’t refund your assessment cost, but it can reduce ongoing medication and follow-up expenses

Some very specific local schemes or exceptional funding requests may exist for complex cases, but they are not the norm and can’t be relied upon.

So if you’re paying fully out of pocket, assume you won’t get any money back. Any NHS involvement later is a bonus, not guaranteed.

Real-World Examples

Example 1: Alex, 34 – Adult in England on a 4-Year NHS Waiting List

Alex is struggling at work, constantly missing deadlines and feeling overwhelmed, with a long history of “under-achieving despite being bright”.

• GP confirms referral to local NHS ADHD clinic, estimated wait: 3–4 years

• Alex can’t wait that long, but can’t afford repeated private fees either

Options Alex explores:

• Right to Choose ADHD provider funded by NHS (England)

• Fully private clinics offering faster appointments but expensive ongoing care

Alex asks the GP if they will support a Right to Choose referral to an NHS-contracted provider. The GP agrees, and Alex is assessed within months rather than years, with no direct assessment cost. Prescribing and follow-up go via the provider and then gradually transfer to GP shared care.

Example 2: Samira, 10 – Child in Scotland

Samira’s school raises concerns about concentration and hyperactivity. Samira’s parents:

• Speak to school SENCO

• Go to their GP, who refers to local paediatric ADHD team

In Scotland, there is no England-style Right to Choose scheme. Private assessment is an option, but the family are warned that local NHS teams may want to reassess or may not be able to take over medication straight away.

They choose to stay in the NHS system but:

• Use school and parenting strategies meanwhile

• Explore behavioural support and classroom adjustments

More on ADHD in children and how NHS services work in Scotland:
ADHD in children and young people – NHS (https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/adhd-children-teenagers/)
ADHD – NHS Inform Scotland (https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/mental-health/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd/)

Example 3: Martin, 42 – Self-Funded Private Assessment, Mixed NHS Response

Martin pays around £1,200 for a private adult ADHD assessment and titration. The assessment is helpful, but:

• His GP practice has a policy not to enter shared care arrangements with private-only providers

• Martin faces either:

  • Paying for long-term private prescriptions and follow-ups, or

  • Joining the long NHS waiting list anyway and potentially being reassessed

This is sadly common now. It underlines why you should clarify the shared-care question with your GP before you commit money, and choose a provider known to meet NHS standards.

How to Choose a Private ADHD Provider Safely

Because the market has exploded, quality varies. Before booking, try to check:

• Do they explicitly say they follow NICE NG87 standards? (https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng87)

• Who does the assessment?

  • Consultant psychiatrist? Specialist ADHD nurse? Are they GMC registered / appropriately qualified?

• How long is the assessment?

  • A meaningful assessment usually takes hours, not 20 minutes

• Do they gather information from multiple sources where possible?

  • Old school reports, family, partners

• What do you get in writing?

  • Full report, diagnosis explanation, treatment plan

• How do they handle medication?

  • Do they provide full titration and monitoring?

  • Do they help with shared-care arrangements or does everything remain private?

• What are the ongoing costs?

  • Follow-up fees, prescription charges, annual reviews, letters for university/work

Beware of:

• Very cheap, very fast, questionnaire-only services

• Providers who can’t explain how they comply with NICE guidelines

• No clear policy for follow-up or crisis situations

Private vs NHS ADHD Pathways – Pros and Cons

If you’re weighing up your options, it can help to think broadly in terms of NHS vs private care.

For a general comparison of NHS vs private healthcare across conditions, you might find this guide useful:
NHS vs Private Healthcare in the UK: Costs, Waiting Times & When Going Private Makes Sense (https://allhealthandcare.co.uk/resources/nhs-vs-private-healthcare-in-the-uk)

Very briefly:

NHS ADHD pathway
Pros:

• Free at point of use

• Integrated into local mental health services

• Easier for GPs to prescribe and for services to communicate

Cons:

• Very long waiting times in many areas

• Limited appointment lengths and flexibility

• Services can be overwhelmed

Private ADHD pathway
Pros:

• Faster assessment (often weeks, not years)

• Longer, more in-depth appointments in some clinics

• More choice of provider

Cons:

• Costly, especially long term

• NHS may not accept diagnosis or take over prescribing

• Quality and regulation vary widely

Step-by-Step: How to Get a Private ADHD Assessment in the UK

Here’s a realistic step-by-step plan:

1. Talk to your GP first

   • Explain your concerns, history, impact on daily life

   • Ask about local NHS waiting times for ADHD

   • Ask explicitly about their stance on shared care if you go private

2. Decide on route: fully private vs Right to Choose (England)

   • England: ask if your GP can refer you to an NHS-approved ADHD provider via Right to Choose

   • Elsewhere in the UK: ask about waiting times and what support is available while you wait

3. Research providers

   • Check their qualifications, reviews, and how they explain their process

   • Confirm assessment length, format (online vs in-person), and what’s included

4. Get everything in writing

   • Assessment cost

   • Titration and follow-up cost

   • Prescription arrangements

   • What support they provide for shared care letters to your GP

5. Plan your budget

   • Don’t just look at the assessment price; include 12–18 months of follow-ups and prescriptions

6. Prepare for the assessment

   • Gather school reports, previous mental health letters, and questionnaire forms

   • Ask a parent, partner, or friend to provide information if possible

7. After diagnosis

   • Clarify next steps with the provider

   • Request a clear written report

   • Share with your GP and ask again about shared care/ongoing support

Looking After Your Mental Health While You Wait

Whether you’re going NHS or private, there may still be a wait for assessment, titration, or follow-ups. During that time it’s important to look after your mental health:

• Explore talking therapies and counselling (private or NHS)

• Learn ADHD-friendly strategies for organisation, time management and emotional regulation

• Seek support at work or university (reasonable adjustments)

• Connect with peer support groups (online or in-person)

For broader guidance on mental health care in the UK, see:
How to Access Mental Health Services in the UK: NHS vs Private Explained (https://allhealthandcare.co.uk/resources/how-to-access-mental-health-services-in-uk)
Online Therapy & Counselling in the UK: Costs, Providers & What to Expect (https://allhealthandcare.co.uk/resources/online-therapy-counselling-in-uk)

Key Takeaways

If you’re navigating this for the first time, it can feel overwhelming. But understanding your options, asking the right questions, and planning your route can save you money, time, and stress — and bring you closer to the support you need.

• NHS ADHD waiting lists are extremely long in many areas; going private can be faster but more expensive.

• A proper ADHD assessment should follow NICE NG87, be in-depth, and produce a detailed written report.

• There is no general NHS “rebate” scheme for private ADHD assessments – assume you will not get your money back.

• In England, the Right to Choose route can give you an NHS-funded assessment with an independent provider, without you paying.

• Whether the NHS accepts your private diagnosis for shared care prescriptions depends on your provider, your GP and local policies.

• Before spending money, ask your GP about their stance on shared care and choose a provider carefully.