Getting an ADHD diagnosis can be a life-changing step, but deciding between the NHS, Right to choose and private options requires careful consideration of cost, wait times, assessment validity and post-diagnostic support.
Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the pro’s and con’s to help you navigate your choices and decide which is the right option for you.
NHS ADHD Assessments
Pro’s
- Cost: Free (covered by the National Health Service)
- Assessment Depth: From my experience working within an NHS ADHD service, assessments are in-depth and NICE guidelines are followed.
- If you commence medication following a diagnosis, you will only be liable to pay the standard NHS prescription fee.
- GP’s often favour a diagnosis obtained through the NHS and take it more seriously.
Con’s
- Wait Times: In most localities the wait for assessment is several years, depending on location. You can find out more information regarding waiting times in your locality through ADHD UK NHS ADHD Assessments Waiting Lists Report
- Post-Diagnosis Support: Is often limited to medication only. This is due to lengthy waiting lists for ADHD assessments, leaving limited funding to provide holistic post-diagnostic support.
- Diagnostic thresholds: NHS clinics are overwhelmed with referrals, resulting in referrals frequently being declined for the following reasons:
-Not enough evidence that your symptoms existed since childhood
-No school reports available to evidence impairment in education
-Your child doesn’t show any difficulties within the school environment
-Not enough evidence that your symptoms cause significant impairment to warrant an assessment
Basically, there is often minimal consideration for how symptoms of ADHD can present in different individuals. How ADHD might not always be problematic in early childhood due to IQ or scaffolding from parents. Or how an adult may appear to be functioning because they are holding down a job, but are just about holding their head above water to survive (ok rant over).
NHS Right to Choose (RTC)
What is it? NHS Right to Choose allows patients in England to choose a healthcare provider, including ADHD assessment clinics, rather than being restricted to local NHS trusts. Please note that doesn’t apply to any provider; a list of RTC providers can be found on ADHD UK website: Right to Choose – ADHD UK
Pro’s
- Cost: Free Assessments and treatment are NHS-funded, so there’s no direct cost to you.
- Shorter waiting times: If your local NHS waiting list exceeds 12 weeks, some patients can be seen faster through RTC. Waiting times vary dependent on the service but usually several months to a year.
- On-going costs: ongoing ADHD treatment (including prescriptions) is covered by the NHS so there should be no on-going costs
Con’s
- Variation in the quality of assessment: Patients often feedback that their assessment felt rushed and like a ‘tick box’ assessment. This leaves people questioning the outcome of their assessment and seeking a second opinion
- Less flexibility with appointment times: RTC providers see a high volume of patients, resulting in less flexibility and person centred care
- Poor communication: Patients often feedback that their RTC provider is uncontactable and they are not able to speak to a clinician in between appointments if needed
- Limited number of titration appointments: Patients have reported they have felt rushed through titration and not given the time needed to truly optimise their treatment plan
- Diagnostic reports: Often lack detail and can be very generic.
- Post-diagnostic support: limited to medication only. Some service offer therapy/coaching as an alternative option but not both.
A side note: If you decide that RTC is the right route for you, do your research into the providers. Be sure to look at google and Trustpilot reviews (including the negative reviews which are often hidden) before making a decision.
Private ADHD Assessments at The ADHD Nurse
The information provided here is relevant to The ADHD Nurse. Private clinics vary in terms of cost, waiting times and how they operate. I have tried to be as unbiased as possible, but naturally I can think of many ‘pro’s’ of being assessed through The ADHD Nurse. I have tried to put myself in your shoes when considering the con’s involved!
Pro’s
- Wait time: Currently 4 weeks
- Assessment depth: Comprehensive, following NICE guidelines with extended appointments at no extra cost when needed
- Post-Diagnosis support: Includes a detailed diagnostic report, recommendations for school, college or employers. Access to medication/post-diagnostic support sessions & ADHD informed CBT
- Communication: Consistent communication from first point of contact and in between appointments when required
- Continuity of care: We are a smaller, personalised clinic, therefore you get to know us and we get to know you.
- Person centred: If you are hoping for a personalised, compassionate service then that is exactly what you will get at The ADHD Nurse. Obviously I am going to say that, but read what our existing patients have to say on Trust Pilot: The ADHD Nurse Reviews | Read Customer Service Reviews of theadhdnurse.co.uk
Con’s
- Cost: We are a private clinic so there are costs involved. A breakdown of our fees and what’s included can be found here: Fees – The ADHD Nurse
- Private prescriptions: In addition to our appointment fees, you need to consider the cost of medication. Private prescriptions (charged by the Pharmacy) can cost £50–£150per month
- Shared care: Shared care agreements are still achievable in some cases, but this is very dependent upon your GP. If your GP is agreeable to a shared care agreement, then this would mean they will take over prescribing your medication through the NHS and we will continue to see you for your annual reviews. If your GP is not agreeable to shared care then you would need to continue paying for any medication prescribed on a monthly basis.
Choosing between NHS and private ADHD assessments comes down to your priorities, financial circumstances and personal preferences. I hope this breakdown helps you to make the best decision for your needs.
At The ADHD Nurse, your well-being is our priority. If you have any concerns or questions to enable you to make an informed decision, we’re here to help and can offer a free, no-obligation phone call -because you deserve clarity and support every step of the way.
To book a phone call with our lead clinician (Vicki) please complete the contact form and we’ll be in touch Contact The ADHD Nurse | Book your ADHD assessment UK