UK guide
How to get an ADHD assessment in the UK.
The routes, what to ask, and where I’d go. Short, plain English, in the order you need it.
About a 4-minute read.
Written by Rav, business psychologist and behavioural scientist. Checked 26 October 2026.
Three ways to get assessed
There’s no wrong door. Pick the one that fits where you live, your budget and how long you can wait.
Through your GP
- Book a GP appointment and say how your symptoms affect your work, studies or relationships
- Your GP may refer you to an ADHD specialist, such as a psychiatrist
- It’s free on the NHS, but waits can be months or even years
Right to Choose
- Ask your GP to refer you to an NHS-funded provider you pick, which can mean a shorter wait
- Many local NHS areas now cap how many of these assessments they pay for each year
- Before you’re referred, ask the provider how long the wait really is for your area
Private assessment
- You pay, and it’s usually quicker
- Ask for the full cost up front, including follow-ups and medication reviews
- If you might want medication, ask your GP first whether they’d agree to shared care with that clinic
Before you book
Whichever route you take, this is what good looks like, and what to ask.
Signs of a good assessment
- It’s done by a specialist trained in ADHD, such as a psychiatrist
- They look at your whole story, including childhood, because symptoms usually start before 12
- They check for things that can look like ADHD or come with it, such as anxiety or autism
- They may want to hear from someone who knew you as a child, or knows you well now
- In England, you can look the clinic up on the Care Quality Commission website
Questions to ask the clinic
My recommendation
SphereView Medicare
If you’re thinking about a private assessment, this is where I’d point a friend.
They’re fantastic. I know their psychiatrist personally, and they go out of their way to make sure your assessment is done with care.
- A team of consultant psychiatrists, psychologists and therapists who work together
- Psychiatrists who specialise in ADHD
- In-person appointments
- They see children, teenagers and adults
- Registered with the Care Quality Commission
I work very closely with SphereView. I’m designing a course with them to support parents of children with ADHD, and I’ve got to know their psychiatrist very well.
Waiting for an assessment?
You don’t need a diagnosis to get help at work. Access to Work can fund support while you wait.
Quick answers
Can my GP diagnose ADHD?
Your GP is the place to start. They’ll ask about your symptoms and may refer you to an ADHD specialist, such as a psychiatrist, who does the assessment.
What is Right to Choose?
In England, if your GP refers you for an assessment, you can ask to go to an NHS-funded provider you choose. It can mean a shorter wait. It doesn’t apply in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
Will my GP prescribe medication after a private diagnosis?
Not always. A GP can take over prescribing through a shared care agreement with your specialist, but it’s their call. Ask before you book.
How do I check a clinic is registered?
In England, search for the clinic’s name on the CQC website. It shows whether they’re registered, and their rating once they’ve been inspected.
Do I need a diagnosis to get help at work?
No. You can apply for Access to Work without one. My Access to Work guide shows you how.
I’m not in England. What should I do?
Start with your GP. Right to Choose is England only, but you can still be referred on the NHS or go private.
Free community
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A free Discord for every kind of neurodivergent brain. Come say hi and find your people.
- Free, and it always will be. No sales, ever
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Where this comes from
- NHS: ADHD in adults
- NHS: your choices in the NHS (Right to Choose)
- NICE guideline NG87: ADHD diagnosis and management
- ADHD UK: Right to Choose changes by area
- SphereView Medicare: services
- CQC: SphereView Medicare
Checked 26 October 2026. This is general information, not medical advice. If you’re struggling right now, talk to your GP, or call NHS 111.