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Right to Choose vs private vs NHS waitlist
There are three main UK routes to an adult ADHD assessment: NHS Right to Choose, going private, and the standard NHS waiting list. Right to Choose and the standard list are free at the point of use; private has an upfront fee but can often be quicker. The clinical standard a good assessment should meet is the same on all three. This is information, not medical advice, and only a qualified clinician can diagnose ADHD.
Information only. Costs, waiting times and shared-care policies change and vary by area. Confirm the current position with each provider and your GP before deciding.
The three routes at a glance
| Factor | NHS Right to Choose | Private | Standard NHS waitlist |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost to you | Free at the point of use | Upfront fee, paid by you | Free at the point of use |
| Typical wait | Varies; can be shorter than the standard list | Often shorter, varies by provider | Can be long; varies widely by area |
| Referral | Via GP, but you pick an approved provider | Often self-referral, book directly | Via GP to the local service |
| Where it applies | England only | UK-wide | UK-wide NHS |
| Medication afterwards | Within the NHS; may involve shared care | May need a shared-care agreement with your GP | Usually prescribed and managed within the NHS |
This table is a general guide, not a quote. The legal basis for choosing an NHS provider is set out by NHS England. Always confirm current cost, waits and shared-care arrangements with the specific provider and your GP.
Which route suits which situation
If cost is the main concern, the two NHS routes are free, and Right to Choose may shorten the wait compared with the standard list. If a long wait would be hard to manage and you can afford it, a private assessment can be faster. Whichever you choose, plan ahead for what happens after a diagnosis, especially around medication and shared care with your GP, since that is where the routes differ most in practice.
Related guides
For the detail on each route, see Right to Choose explained, private assessment costs, waiting times and our two-way NHS vs private comparison. Before you book, our guide on how to prepare for an ADHD assessment covers what to bring. The UK ADHD statistics page has cited figures on demand and waits.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Right to Choose and the NHS waiting list?
Both are NHS routes that are free at the point of use. The standard waiting list is the default referral your GP makes locally. NHS Right to Choose, in England, lets you ask to be referred to an approved provider you choose, which can sometimes be quicker. Waits vary by area and provider, so check current figures before deciding.
Is going private faster than Right to Choose?
It can be, but not always. A private assessment has an upfront fee and can often be arranged sooner. Right to Choose is free and may also be quicker than the standard list in some areas. The honest answer is that it depends on current waits with the specific providers, which you should check directly.
Does the route I pick affect the diagnosis?
A good assessment should meet the same clinical standard whichever route you use, and only a qualified clinician can diagnose ADHD. What differs between routes is cost, waiting time and referral, not what counts as a proper assessment. Check the assessor's credentials whichever route you choose.
Can I move from a private diagnosis to NHS medication?
Many people are assessed privately and then ask their GP about NHS shared care for ongoing prescribing. This depends on local policy and is not automatic. Discuss it with your GP early so you understand what to expect. This is information, not advice on your individual case.
Editor, ADHD Helper
Oliver leads ADHD Helper's editorial coverage of adult ADHD. He researches and writes the plain-English explainers on getting an ADHD assessment through NHS Right to Choose or privately, and on the products and tools people use to manage ADHD, drawing on guidance from the NHS, NICE and the Royal College of Psychiatrists. He is clear that the site is information, not medical advice, and that diagnosis is for a registered clinician.
Last reviewed: 8 June 2026