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Paying for a private ADHD assessment: what to check first

Docorix does not publish private clinic prices or waiting times: no official source sets them, and a clinic’s own advertised figures are not checked by Docorix. What the official sources do cover is what to find out before you pay.

Docorix read the official pages named on this page on 30 October 2026. This is information, not medical advice, and Docorix is not part of the NHS and cannot make or speed up a referral. Waiting times, caps and provider lists change without notice: confirm with your GP and the provider before you rely on anything here.

Before you book

Who is assessing you?
The NHS says an ADHD assessment is with an ADHD specialist such as a psychiatrist. Ask the clinic who will assess you and what their qualification is.
Source: NHS – ADHD in adults
Who counts as qualified?
The ADHD Taskforce summary says NICE and others should work together to set out what an ADHD qualified healthcare professional is and what qualifications are needed for each area of care.
Source: NHS England – Plain English summary of the ADHD Taskforce report (9 December 2025)
Is the clinic regulated?
The summary says the Care Quality Commission should have oversight of all ADHD service providers. Docorix lists services in the CQC register: look the clinic up and read its rating date.
Source: NHS England – Plain English summary of the ADHD Taskforce report (9 December 2025)
Will the NHS accept the result?
NHS inform (Scotland) warns that your local NHS health board or GP practice may not accept the outcome of a private assessment, so check with them before paying for one.
Source: NHS inform (Scotland) – ADHD in adults
Who prescribes afterwards?
The NHS says ADHD medicines must be started and monitored by an ADHD specialist, and that a GP may be able to take over prescribing only under a shared care agreement.
Source: NHS – ADHD in adults
Is shared care guaranteed?
NHS Devon says entering into a shared care agreement is voluntary for GPs.
Source: NHS Devon – Devon Formulary and Referral, ADHD and Autism FAQ

Is there an NHS-paid alternative?

Right to Choose (England)
The NHS says you may be able to find a clinic with shorter waiting lists through your GP using the Right to Choose scheme. That is a different thing from paying for yourself: the NHS pays, and your GP must agree to refer you.
Source: NHS – ADHD in adults

Look a clinic up

Next

Sources

NHS – ADHD in adultsNHS England – Plain English summary of the ADHD Taskforce report (9 December 2025)NHS inform (Scotland) – ADHD in adultsNHS Devon – Devon Formulary and Referral, ADHD and Autism FAQ