Right to Choose – ADHD Diagnosis and Treatment

• OVERVIEW
• SYMPTOMS
• ADULTS
• CHILDREN
• WOMEN
• DIAGNOSIS
• TREATMENT
• MEDICATION

Right to Choose is a government policy that allows patients in England to choose their provider for certain specialist services, including ADHD assessment and treatment. For people seeking clarity about ADHD, this pathway can offer access to assessment faster than NHS waiting lists.

This guide explains the Right to Choose ADHD pathway. It is informed by our years at AuDHD Psychiatry, doing clinical work and helping individuals and families navigate the local healthcare system. It also provides an overview of the referral process and offers practical tools to support informed decision-making.

Key Takeaways

• Right to Choose gives eligible patients in England more control over who provides their ADHD assessment.
• Using this route can reduce waiting times and help people access diagnosis and support sooner.
• The referral process involves your GP and careful selection of an appropriate assessment provider.
• Decision-making tools and clear information can help patients feel confident about their ADHD treatment and support plan.

What Is Right to Choose?

Right to Choose is a legal framework that allows you to choose your or your child’s mental health care provider for the diagnosis of ADHD, autism, and other neurodevelopmental conditions.

This service is offered free of charge by the National Health Service (NHS) to qualified residents in England.

Right to Choose for ADHD child and adult patients offers greater control over the referral process and access to more qualified healthcare providers, assessment locations, and options. It also helps reduce the time to diagnosis, as some accredited centres have shorter waiting lists.

This helps patients receive a formal ADHD diagnosis faster and start working on the treatment plan.

Certain NHS facilities have commissioning contracts with private healthcare providers. These clinics are sometimes referred to as ADHD patients’ Right to Choose providers in the UK.

Patients can have referrals sent directly to them and receive services that meet NHS standards. An NHS prescription will also be issued if ADHD medication is included in the treatment plan. 

Unfortunately, some people may not be eligible for the Right to Choose scheme. Patients already receiving ADHD treatment from an NHS mental health service provider are not qualified for this programme. Those detained in a secure setting and covered under the Mental Health Act 1983 are also not qualified.

The Right to Choose Referral Process

If you think you have adult ADHD or suspect your child has it, follow these steps to access the Right to Choose referral service:

1. Consult your general practitioner.

The GP will review the signs and symptoms of ADHD and ascertain if there is a need for a formal diagnosis.

You may need to complete an assessment form before seeing your GP. Your answers will guide the consultation and help the GP determine whether your symptoms indicate ADHD.

You may also be asked to submit a cover letter explaining why you are requesting this consultation and why you need a referral.

If the GP determines you or your family member has ADHD, they will issue a referral for an assessment, which is needed for a formal diagnosis with the provider of your choice in England.

2. Ask the GP whether they are open to shared care.

If you choose an ADHD assessment centre far from your home, ask your GP if they are open to a shared care arrangement.

Shared care is a service in which the clinician develops your treatment plan, then shares it and works with your GP to monitor your progress.

If the GP approves the treatment plan, they can provide prescriptions as needed. The clinician can also share their subsequent assessments with the GP to provide additional support.  

Shared care can help you save time and effort when asking for prescriptions and additional guidance.

Choose your assessment service provider carefully.  

Getting a proper, timely diagnosis depends greatly on your choice of service provider. Select a reputable assessment clinic with your Right to Choose ADHD referral by:

• Ensuring the provider holds an active NHS contract. Check their website or contact them to confirm if they have a commissioning contract with the NHS.
• Researching the clinic’s experience with adult or child ADHD assessment. Ask about how long they have been providing assessments, particularly to clients with ADHD.
• Checking the provider’s wait times. Some centres may require you to wait several months for an assessment. If you need one as soon as possible, look for a clinic that can provide a schedule within two to six weeks.

While doing your research, read about what to expect during the ADHD assessment so you can prepare for it.  

Additional Tools for Seeking Support

After your diagnosis, you will be given a treatment plan to help you manage your symptoms. You can also use additional tools to understand your condition and go about your daily life.

In addition to clinical guidance from qualified professionals, written care plans and follow-up summaries can give you something concrete to refer back to after appointments.

Many services also use screening questionnaires and progress trackers to help patients reflect on symptoms and changes over time.

Trusted health websites and patient information leaflets provide explanations of medication, therapy, and lifestyle support. You can use these tools to have more focused conversations during sessions with your therapist, coach, or clinician.

Shared decision-making tools, such as patient decision aids and option grids, are another important resource. They allow patients and clinicians to compare options, discuss benefits and side effects, and agree on the next steps together.

You can feel more involved and confident about choosing your ADHD support options when you have access to more tools and relevant information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Making Right to Choose Work for You

Understanding how Right to Choose works can make the process feel less daunting. Choosing an experienced provider can help you understand the diagnosis, while having the right treatment plan and using the right support tools can make the ADHD symptoms more manageable.

If you are ready to move forward, begin by discussing a referral with your GP.

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