Adult NHS ADHD Assessment
NHS Adult ADHD Assessments are undertaken by The Retreat Clinics.
Please self refer by completing the Do IT profiler.
Please visit The Retreat Clinics website for up to date information about their waiting times.
Child NHS ADHD Assessment
NHS Child ADHD Assessments are undertaken by TEWV.
Children’s ADHD self-referrals can be made using this form or alternatively call CAMHS on 0300 0134778.
Right to Choose (NHS funded) for ADHD
- Choose your provider: Research and select a qualified provider that offers ADHD assessments under the Right to Choose framework. Eligible providers must hold an NHS contract for the required service. You can be referred to a provider outside of your local Integrated Care Board (ICB) area, including those that offer remote video consultations. Please visit individual provider websites for up to date information on waiting times.
- Complete any patient questionnaires/forms required: Most providers will require you to complete self-report pre-referral questionnaire(s). Please complete these before contacting the surgery to request referral.
- Ask for the referral: Contact Strayside Health by completing an eConsultation with your chosen provider’s details and your pre-referral forms and we will send your referral to that specific service under the Right to Choose legislation.
- Confirm the referral: Follow up with your chosen provider after your referral is sent to ensure it has been received and processed correctly.
Considerations for using Right to Choose
- Waiting times: While Right to Choose often offers shorter waiting times than local services, the demand for ADHD services means there may still be a wait for an assessment. Some providers are transparent about their current waiting times, which can range from several months to over a year.
- Shared Care Agreements (SCAs): If you are diagnosed with ADHD and medication is recommended, this can only be initiated by a specialist and must continue to be supervised long term by a specialist. Once stable on medication, the specialist provider may request that prescribing is taken over by the GP, under a “shared care agreement” – ie the patient remains under the care of the specialist, but prescriptions are issued by the GP practice. The practice will assess the shared care agreement and decide if it ensures a way of prescriptions being issued safely. All patients who are prescribed medication for ADHD to have a specialist review at least annually and to attend for regular monitoring. Please note, we are not able to enter into new Shared Care Agreements with private providers for ADHD medication for children. We are only able to enter into SCA with TEWV. Please see the section below on transferring to NHS providers if required.
- Treatment pathways: Some Right to Choose providers only offer diagnosis, not medication titration. If you require medication, you may need a second referral to a different provider, which could lead to further delays. Please check with your chosen provider what services they are able to provide. Please note the need for at least annual specialist review for all patients prescribed medication for ADHD. If Right to Choose funding does not cover these ongoing annual reviews, they may have to be funded privately.
- Geographic and eligibility restrictions: The Right to Choose scheme is only available to patients registered with a GP in England. You are ineligible if you are already receiving NHS treatment for the same condition, require urgent or emergency care, or are in certain secure settings.
Private assessments/treatment
Self referral to a provider of your choice. This will be self-funded.
Share Care Prescribing for ADHD medication
Shared Care Agreements (SCAs): If you are diagnosed with ADHD and medication is recommended, this can only be initiated by a specialist and must continue to be supervised long term by a specialist. Once stable on medication, the specialist provider may request that prescribing is taken over by the GP, under a “shared care agreement” – ie the patient remains under the care of the specialist, but prescriptions are issued by the GP practice. The practice will assess the shared care agreement and decide if it ensures a way of prescriptions being issued safely. All patients who are prescribed medication for ADHD to have a specialist review at least annually and to attend for regular monitoring. Please note, we are not able to enter into new Shared Care Agreements with private providers for ADHD medication for children. We are only able to enter into SCA with TEWV. Please see the section below on transferring to NHS providers if required.
Transferring to the NHS for ongoing ADHD specialist reviews
Children – we can refer to TEWV for ongoing ADHD care. Please send an eConsultation including a copy of the original diagnostic assessment, the last specialist letter and record of medication. We are not able to provide prescriptions without a shared care agreement in place.
Please call 0300 013 4778 for current waiting times.
Adults – we can refer to The Retreat for ongoing ADHD care after diagnosis, but before starting medication, or when established on medication. Please send an eConsultation including a copy of the original diagnostic assessment, the last specialist letter and record of any previous medication. We are not able to provide prescriptions without a shared care agreement in place.
Please note: The Retreat will assess on a case-by-case basis and may not agree to continue prescribing if they feel the medication is not appropriate.
Please visit The Retreat Clinics website for up to date information about their waiting times.